Taylor Ward's 8th-inning HR powered the Angels past the Rangers 6-5 on July 30, 2025. Kenley Jansen closed it out. Read how the Halos won their third straight!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought you could catch your breath, Angel Stadium erupted. In a tense, back-and-forth affair that had all the makings of a classic divisional showdown, Taylor Ward stepped up and delivered the thunder, launching a go-ahead solo shot in the eighth inning to power the Angels to a heart-stopping 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers.
With his 25th home run of the season, Taylor Ward has officially tied his career high, solidifying his status as the Halos' offensive MVP.
The game was deadlocked at 3-3, and the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. That's when Taylor Ward strode to the plate and did what he's done all year: deliver. He crushed a pitch for his 25th homer of the season, a solo blast that broke the tie and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The win was a team effort, with a key double from Oh and a game-saving double play turned by shortstop Bond keeping the Rangers at bay. It was exactly the kind of gritty, opportunistic baseball this team needs to play down the stretch.
With a one-run lead in the ninth, all eyes turned to the bullpen. Enter Kenley Jansen. The veteran closer was as cool as ever, shutting down the heart of the Rangers' lineup to secure his 16th save of the season. He worked a clean inning, striking out one and ensuring Ward's heroics wouldn't go to waste. In a season of ups and downs, Jansen's reliability in the ninth has been a crucial anchor for this team.
While the action was hot on the field, it was quiet in the front office. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Angels made no roster moves on Wednesday. Fans are eagerly watching to see if the front office will make a move to bolster the roster for a potential playoff push. For now, the team on the field is the team that's winning, but the clock is ticking.
Three straight wins, a series victory clinched against a divisional rival, and a team that's finally starting to click. As the Angels improve to 53-55, they're showing signs of life in the AL West race. The question now is whether this momentum is for real and if the front office will reward their play with reinforcements before the deadline. One thing is for sure: with clutch hitting from stars like Ward and a steady hand in the bullpen, this team is suddenly one to watch. Let's see if they can make it four straight tomorrow. #GoHalos!
