The Philadelphia Phillies’ return from the All-Star break was a mix of offensive fireworks and pitching woes, resulting in a 6-5 loss to the Angels on Friday night after the team squandered a 4-1 lead. The loss marked the Phillies’ fifth in their last seven games, dropping their record to 55-42.
The decisive blow came in the seventh inning when reliever Tanner Banks surrendered a go-ahead, two-run home run to Taylor Ward, his 22nd of the season. The bullpen was called upon early after starter Jesus Luzardo struggled, failing to get out of the fifth inning. Luzardo was charged with four earned runs on seven hits, including a solo homer to Jorge Soler and a two-run shot to Jo Adell, pushing his season ERA to 4.29.
“Obviously, this loss is on me,” Luzardo said. “Our offense performed extremely well tonight; they played well enough for us to get a win… It’s extremely frustrating, especially when the offense scores four runs for you early.”
The Angels’ power was on full display, with their three home runs increasing their American League-leading total to 142. “That’s what this team does,” manager Rob Thomson said. “They hit homers. You got to keep the ball in the ballpark.”
Despite the loss, the Phillies’ offense showed significant power. Bryce Harper delivered his first multi-homer game of the season, launching a three-run blast in the third inning and a solo shot in the eighth. Harper, who also doubled, has nine extra-base hits in his last five games and is hitting .500 over that span.
All-Star Game MVP Kyle Schwarber continued his impressive form, hitting a solo home run on his first swing of the game. The first-inning homer was Schwarber’s 31st of the year. J.T. Realmuto also contributed, going 2-for-4 with a double to record multiple hits in seven of his last 11 games.
Ultimately, the offensive contributions were not enough to overcome the pitching struggles. The Phillies will look to even the series on Saturday night, sending Taijuan Walker to the mound against Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi.
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