Taylor Ward's heroic 8th-inning homer led the Angels to a dramatic 6-5 extra-inning win over the Phillies on July 20, 2025, pushing them back to .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Halos were headed for another frustrating loss, Taylor Ward rewrote the script. Down to their final outs, Ward stepped up in the 8th inning and launched a towering two-run homer to tie the game, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and breathing new life into a team that refuses to quit. That single swing of the bat set the stage for a dramatic 6-5 extra-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, a win that felt like more than just a number in the standings.
This group never quits. We’ve had our ups and downs, but they keep fighting every night.
The Angels' offense was a tale of two players on Sunday. While the team struggled to string hits together early, Zach Neto was a constant sparkplug, racking up three hits and scoring two crucial runs. But the defining moment belonged to Taylor Ward. His game-tying blast wasn't just clutch; it was a milestone, pushing his RBI total to 70 on the season. On the mound, José Soriano battled through 6.1 innings, and the bullpen bent but didn't break, culminating in Carlos Estévez navigating a tense 10th inning to lock down his 21st save and secure the hard-fought win.
After the game, manager Ron Washington couldn't hide his pride. 'This group never quits,' he said, a sentiment that is quickly becoming the mantra for the 2025 Angels. This victory wasn't just about the box score; it was a testament to the resilient culture Washington is building. He specifically praised the leadership of Ward and Neto, whose on-field heroics reflect the team's fighting spirit. It's this brand of baseball—gritty, determined, and relentless—that has kept the Angels afloat and has them sitting at a hard-earned 49-49.
The fight for every win is also reflected in the front office's recent moves. To bolster a taxed bullpen, the team recalled LHP Jake Eder from Triple-A Salt Lake, sending down RHP Jack Kochanowicz. Eder, acquired earlier this season, will provide a much-needed fresh arm. The organization is also looking toward the future, signing a trio of prospects to rookie-level deals while making tough decisions to release veterans J.D. Davis and Jesus Cruz from the farm system. These moves show a commitment to both winning now and building sustainable depth for the long haul.
Pulling back to .500 with a win like this feels significant. It's a momentum-builder, a statement that the Angels are still very much in the thick of the AL West race. With the trade deadline looming and a crucial stretch of games ahead, this team's resilience will be tested again and again. But as Sunday proved, you can never count out Wash's Warriors. They're going to keep fighting, and it's going to be a thrilling ride to the finish.
