Kyle Schwarber's 32nd HR fueled a late Phillies rally, but they fell 7-6 to the Angels on July 19. Read how the extra-inning thriller unfolded.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic Citizens Bank Park rollercoaster on Saturday night. The roar from Kyle Schwarber’s game-tying blast in the eighth inning was deafening, a moment that felt destined to propel the Phillies to another comeback victory. But baseball can be a cruel game, and the magic ran out in the 10th, as the Phils ultimately fell 7-6 to the Los Angeles Angels in a gut-wrenching thriller.
Kyle Schwarber's two-run blast was his 32nd of the season, keeping him on a torrid home run pace.
It was a back-and-forth affair that saw starter Zack Wheeler battle through six innings, surrendering five runs (four earned) but also striking out eight. Down 5-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth, the offense roared to life. Kyle Schwarber ignited the crowd with a massive two-run homer, his 32nd of the year, followed by a clutch RBI single from Trea Turner to tie the game. Turner was a bright spot all night, going 3-for-5 with two runs. Unfortunately, the comeback fell short. In the tenth, José Alvarado couldn't hold the line, allowing two runs, and the Phillies could only scratch one across in their final at-bat.
Wheeler's gritty but imperfect start highlights the pressure on Philadelphia's rotation, especially with co-ace Aaron Nola still on the 60-day injured list with no clear timetable for his return from a right ankle sprain. The team is proceeding with extreme caution, knowing they need a healthy Nola for October. This puts a heavy burden on the current starters. Down on the farm, however, a potential reinforcement is making his case. Top prospect Mick Abel delivered a stellar outing for the Triple-A IronPigs, pitching six strong innings with seven strikeouts. His continued development could be a key factor down the stretch.
The front office is already making subtle moves ahead of the trade deadline. The recent trade of minor league catcher Andrick Nava to the Brewers for cash considerations is a clear example. While a minor deal, it opens a spot in the farm system and provides organizational flexibility. Internally, the team is getting contributions from recent call-ups like Buddy Kennedy, whose defensive versatility has given manager Rob Thomson valuable depth in the infield. These moves, both big and small, show the team is actively preparing for the final push.
While the loss stings, the Phillies wake up tomorrow still in first place with a chance to win the series against the Angels. The bigger story remains the health of the pitching staff and what moves Dave Dombrowski might make before the deadline. This team has shown its resilience time and again, and they'll need every bit of it as they look to solidify their standing for a deep postseason run.
