Another Flat Finish: Angels take series as Phillies fizzle in finale

Another series at Citizens Bank Park, another missed opportunity for the Phillies to close strong. José Soriano carved them up for seven innings and Taylor Ward did more damage (again) as the Angels beat Philly 8-2 on Sunday to take the series.

Roughed up Ranger…

Ranger Suárez had one of his roughest starts of the year, getting rocked for six runs over 4 1/3 innings. It unraveled fast in the second inning, where five runs crossed the plate, including a bases-loaded walk to Mike Trout on a borderline call that had Suárez steaming. Taylor Ward immediately made him pay with a three-run double.

Meanwhile, Soriano gave the Phillies absolutely nothing to work with. Outside of an RBI single from Rafael Marchán and a solo homer from Otto Kemp (who also made two errors at third), Philly’s bats were lifeless. Soriano gave up just six hits and struck out five, picking up his seventh win of the year.

That Mike Trout Walk…SMH

The walk to Trout with the bases loaded. Instead of escaping the jam with minimal damage, Suárez was forced to stay in and face Ward, who blew the game open. One borderline call, one big swing — ballgame.

Otto Kemp now has three errors in six starts at third base. That’s become a real issue with Alec Bohm on the IL. The Phillies have a defensive problem at the hot corner, and it’s already cost them.

At the very least, the rook has been fine in left field and at the dish.

Otto Kemp hits his first Home Run at Citizens Bank Park!

Phillies 2, Angels 7 pic.twitter.com/JHw1wOcyc8

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) July 20, 2025

Up Next for the Phillies

The Phillies will try to stop the bleeding with a tough three-game set against the Red Sox starting Monday. Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.36 ERA) will take the mound opposite Walker Buehler (6-6, 6.12 ERA) in a game the Phillies badly need to win.

The Angels outplayed the Phillies in all three games and walk away with a deserved series win. For the Phillies, it’s another frustrating reminder that if the stars don’t carry the offense and the defense gives away outs, they’re in trouble.

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