Angels top Mariners 3-2 on July 27, 2025, as Taylor Ward's homer and Kyle Hendricks' grit snap a losing skid. Read how the Halos hung on in a tense win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game the Los Angeles Angels desperately needed, they found a way. Powered by a clutch home run from Taylor Ward and a vintage performance from Kyle Hendricks, the Halos edged the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Sunday afternoon, snapping a frustrating skid where they had lost five of their last six games. The victory at Angel Stadium was a nail-biter to the end, but it provided a much-needed jolt of life for a team battling to stay in the American League Wild Card hunt.
Taylor Ward launched his team-leading 24th home run of the season, continuing a career year and providing the decisive blow in the Angels' 3-2 victory.
Entering the day with a 4.92 ERA, Kyle Hendricks knew he had to be sharp against Seattle's tough Logan Gilbert, and 'The Professor' delivered a masterclass. Hendricks gave the Angels a crucial quality start, navigating the Mariners lineup with precision and control. He kept the dangerous Cal Raleigh in the ballpark and set the tone for the entire afternoon, proving to be the steadying force the rotation needed after a rocky week. It was exactly the kind of gutsy performance manager Ron Washington needed from his veteran right-hander in a pivotal series finale.
While Hendricks kept the Mariners at bay, the offense was once again sparked by the man having a career year. Taylor Ward continued his incredible 2025 campaign by launching his 24th home run, a blast that provided the key runs for the Angels. Ward's consistent power has been a bright spot all season, and he's on pace to set new personal bests in nearly every major offensive category. The Halos also got a boost from Zach Neto, who chipped in with a multi-hit game to help manufacture just enough offense.
The biggest sigh of relief on Sunday might not have even happened on the field. The team confirmed that the X-rays on Yoán Moncada's hand, which he took a fastball off of Saturday, came back negative. While he's listed as day-to-day, avoiding a fracture is a massive win for the Angels, especially with Moncada's name swirling in trade rumors. Back on the diamond, the bullpen made things interesting but ultimately held firm, with Kenley Jansen shutting the door on a late Seattle rally to lock down his 21st save of the season.
In his 105th game at the helm, Ron Washington's steady leadership was on full display. He managed his bullpen through a tense ninth inning and guided the team to a win that felt more important than just its spot in the standings. It was a day of quiet confidence for the organization, with no major roster moves or trades announced. The focus was squarely on the 26 players in the clubhouse, who responded by ending the losing streak and reminding everyone they can compete with the best in the AL West.
One win doesn't erase a tough stretch, but it's a massive step in the right direction. This victory wasn't just about salvaging a series; it was about proving this team can grind out tough wins against divisional foes. With the trade deadline looming and the Wild Card race tightening, the Angels need to build on this momentum. Every game, every pitch, and every at-bat matters from here on out. Here's hoping this is the start of a mid-summer surge.
