After a 7-2 loss to the Mariners, the Angels (50-55) turn to Kyle Hendricks on 7/27/25 to stop the sweep. Can he outduel Logan Gilbert and save the series?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a familiar feeling for Angels fans this season: waking up on a Sunday with the weight of a potential series sweep looming. After a frustrating 7-2 loss to the division-rival Seattle Mariners where the bats went quiet and the bullpen faltered, all eyes turn to veteran Kyle Hendricks to play the role of stopper and salvage a crucial win at Angel Stadium.
With a 50-55 record and the season slipping away, today is more than just a game—it's a statement.
Yesterday's game was a tough pill to swallow. The offense just couldn't get going against Mariners starter George Kirby, mustering only two runs, both driven in by Jo Adell. While Taylor Ward managed a couple of hits and Nolan Schanuel added a double, the lineup as a whole fell flat. On the mound, José Fermin held his own for five innings, but the bullpen collapsed in the sixth, surrendering four runs and putting the game squarely out of reach. The 7-2 final dropped the Angels to 50-55, cementing their fourth-place spot in the AL West and setting up today's high-pressure finale.
The task doesn't get any easier today. The Angels send Kyle Hendricks (5-7, 4.92 ERA) to the hill, a veteran known for his command but who has had an up-and-down season. He'll need to be at his absolute best against Seattle's Logan Gilbert (3-3, 3.07 ERA), who has been consistently effective all year. For the Halos to have a chance, the offense needs a spark. Can Taylor Ward, with his team-leading 24 homers and 77 RBIs, provide the power? Will Nolan Schanuel (.368 OBP) continue his on-base prowess to set the table? They'll need to solve Gilbert early to avoid another frustrating afternoon.
In a way, the lack of off-field news only amplifies the importance of what happens on it. There were no roster moves, no farm system call-ups, and no major announcements from the team on Sunday. While the stability is welcome—no new injuries is always a plus—it also means the solution to the team's struggles must come from the players already in the clubhouse. With the trade deadline looming, every game carries more weight, and the front office is surely watching to see if this current group has what it takes to make a run.
Today's game feels like a turning point. A win salvages the series, provides a much-needed morale boost, and sends a message that this team won't go down without a fight. A loss, however, means a sweep at the hands of a rival and pushes the Angels further down a difficult path. The ball is in Kyle Hendricks's hand. Let's hope he's ready to deliver.
