Phillies vs. Angels: Luzardo Dominates! Schwarber's Epic Return!
Phillies Host Angels After All-Star Break: Luzardo Shines
The Philadelphia Phillies welcomed the Los Angeles Angels to Citizens Bank Park on Friday, July 18, 2025, kicking off a three-game series after the All-Star break. All eyes were on Kyle Schwarber after his MVP performance in the All-Star game's first-ever 'swing off'.
Schwarber's three home runs in the swing-off secured the National League's victory, and he carried that momentum into the Phillies' lineup, batting leadoff as the designated hitter.
Jesús Luzardo took the mound for the Phillies, facing an Angels team that struggles against left-handed pitching. Luzardo, a southpaw, has been racking up strikeouts this season, making him a formidable opponent for the Angels.
Phillies' Lineup Shakeup
Manager Rob Thomson made a strategic change to the Phillies' lineup, moving Brandon Marsh up to the No. 6 spot and Bryson Stott down to ninth. Thomson cited Marsh's strong at-bats and aimed to take some pressure off Stott, allowing him to focus on seeing pitches and using the field.
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Bryce Harper, 1B
- etc...
Meanwhile, Ryan Zeferjahn started for the Angels. South Jersey native Mike Trout returned to Philly, looking to make an impact against his hometown team.
MLB's Home Run Race Heats Up
The MLB season is witnessing a surge of power hitters. Aaron Judge recently became the fastest player to reach 350 career home runs, and several other players are within striking distance of the 500-homer club. Giancarlo Stanton, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper are among those chasing the milestone.
Younger stars like Juan Soto are also making their mark, piling up impressive home run numbers early in their careers. The next decade promises to be an exciting one for home run enthusiasts.