The Yankees topped the Phillies 6-3 on July 25, 2025, as Aaron Judge's 3-run homer off Zack Wheeler proved decisive despite a Kyle Schwarber solo blast.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The stage was set for a heavyweight clash in the Bronx, but the Philadelphia Phillies found themselves on the ropes Friday night, dropping the series opener to the New York Yankees 6-3. A three-run blast from Aaron Judge proved decisive, overshadowing another majestic homer from Kyle Schwarber and handing ace Zack Wheeler a tough loss.
We've got a tough stretch ahead, and it's about execution.
All eyes were on Zack Wheeler, but the Phillies' ace just didn't have his best stuff against a formidable Yankees lineup. Wheeler battled for 5.2 innings but was tagged for five earned runs on eight hits, including the back-breaking three-run homer by Aaron Judge in the third inning. His ERA ticked up to 3.41 on a night where his command wasn't as sharp as usual. 'Zack just didn't have his best command tonight, and the Yankees made him pay,' manager Rob Thomson said postgame. While the bullpen held the line with just one run over 2.1 innings, the early deficit was too much to overcome. A bright spot was Trea Turner, who seemed 'Locked in for the Bronx' as his pre-game Instagram post suggested, going 2-for-4 with a double.
Even in a loss, Kyle Schwarber continues to do what he does best: hit baseballs a very long way. He crushed his 35th home run of the season, a 427-foot solo shot that moved him into sole possession of second place in the National League home run race. The blast was a testament to the Phillies' overall offensive identity, as the team now leads the entire NL with 162 team home runs. With both Schwarber and Bryce Harper ranking in the top five in the league for homers and RBIs, the power is undeniable. The challenge is turning that power into consistent wins.
Friday's loss marked the team's third in their last four games, and Manager Rob Thomson is stressing a return to basics. Before the game, he emphasized the need for better situational hitting and cleaner defense. That message rings even truer after a game where the offense couldn't string together enough key hits. Despite the mini-slump, the team's confidence remains high. Bryce Harper, appearing on MLB Network's 'Intentional Talk,' projected a calm focus. 'We're focused on one game at a time,' Harper said. 'This group believes we can make a deep run.' It's that belief they'll need to tap into to even the series on Saturday.
While the big league club struggled, there was good news from the farm system. The Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs secured a 5-2 victory, powered by top prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr., who smashed his 14th homer of the year. Fellow top-five prospect Justin Crawford also had a productive night, going 2-for-4 and adding another stolen base to his impressive totals. It's a promising sign that the future continues to develop well.
With their record now at 58-45, the Phillies look to Saturday to stop the skid and get back on track against their American League rivals. The power is there, the belief is there, but as Rob Thomson noted, it all comes down to execution. A win tomorrow not only evens the series but helps right the ship as the crucial final months of the season loom large.
