Angels top D-backs 6-5 in a walk-off thriller on July 13, 2025. Taylor Ward's 21st HR and late-game heroics push the Halos closer to .500. Recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's nothing quite like walk-off baseball at the Big A. In a nail-biter that went down to the final out, the Angels pulled off a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The win, their second straight, pushes the Angels to 47-48 on the season, the closest they've been to the .500 mark in weeks.
With the win, the Angels improved to 47-48, securing a crucial series victory and extending their winning streak to two games.
It was a back-and-forth affair all afternoon, but the Angels saved their best for last. After Arizona battled, the Halos manufactured a run in the bottom of the ninth, culminating in a game-winning single that sealed the 6-5 victory. The offense was powered in part by Taylor Ward, who launched his 21st home run of the season, continuing his strong campaign. Nolan Schanuel also chipped in with key hits, proving to be a tough out. Starter José Soriano battled against D-backs ace Merrill Kelly, keeping the Angels in the game long enough for the late-inning heroics to matter.
A one-run victory puts a spotlight directly on the bullpen, and the Angels' front office has been busy trying to find the right mix. Just before the series, the team recalled left-hander Jake Eder from Triple-A Salt Lake, sending righty Jack Kochanowicz back down. The move was designed to give the club a fresh arm and a different look out of the 'pen, a decision that proved crucial in a tight weekend series.
The constant shuffling is a direct response to ongoing challenges, highlighted by the tough news that veteran reliever Hunter Strickland was transferred to the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. His extended absence creates a significant hole in the late innings. The organization is looking far and wide for answers, as evidenced by other recent moves like optioning lefty Sam Aldegheri to Double-A and selecting the contract of veteran Carson Fulmer from Salt Lake. It's a clear signal that the team is turning over every stone to patch together a competitive pitching staff.
This was more than just one win; it was a statement. By taking the series from the Diamondbacks, the Angels have shown they won't go down without a fight. Now sitting just one game below .500, the team has a tangible goal to rally around. While the bullpen remains a work in progress with the loss of Strickland, the offense is finding ways to deliver in the clutch. If they can carry this momentum forward, the push for a winning record is officially on.
