MLB Game Preview: Los Angles Angels (48-49) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (55-42)

0
87
Philadelphia Phillies logo

The Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies continue their three-game interleague series on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM ET, with coverage on NBC Sports Philadelphia, MLB.TV, and SportsRadio 94WIP. After a thrilling 6–5 comeback win by the Angels in the opener, both teams enter Game 2 with playoff implications and trade deadline buzz swirling.

Starting Pitchers – Angels vs. Phillies Matchup

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPStrikeouts
Los Angeles AngelsYusei Kikuchi (LHP)4–63.111.37115
Philadelphia PhilliesTaijuan Walker (RHP)3–53.551.3049
  • Yusei Kikuchi has been solid in 2025, but his road ERA (4.33) and .276 opponent batting average suggest vulnerability away from Angel Stadium.
  • Taijuan Walker has quietly stabilized the Phillies rotation, allowing just 1 earned run over his last 8.2 innings and posting a 3.09 ERA in two career starts vs. the Angels.

Team Form & Key Stats

TeamRecordLast 10 GamesHome/Away SplitTeam ERABatting Avg
Angels48–495–524–26 (Away)4.64.233
Phillies55–424–630–17 (Home)3.68.255
  • The Angels have won 3 of their last 4 games, including Friday’s opener behind 3 home runs from Jorge Soler, Jo Adell, and Taylor Ward.
  • The Phillies have dropped 3 of their last 4, but remain first in the NL East, just ahead of the Mets.

Top Performers to Watch

Los Angeles Angels

  • Taylor Ward: 22 HR, 65 RBI – leads team in extra-base hits and homers
  • Jo Adell: 20 HR – hit a clutch two-run blast in Game 1
  • Mike Trout: 4 HR, 11 RBI in last 10 games – returned to Philly with a vengeance

Philadelphia Phillies

  • Kyle Schwarber: 31 HR – homered in Game 1 and leads team in slugging (.552)
  • Bryce Harper: 2 HR in Game 1 – now has career RBI No. 996
  • J.T. Realmuto: 18-for-41 with 6 doubles over last 10 games – red-hot bat

Game Day Highlights

  • David Wright Day: Emotional pregame ceremony honoring the Mets legend
  • Trade Deadline Watch: Angels showcasing potential chips like Ward, Adell, and Kenley Jansen
  • Weather: 85°F, clear skies – ideal hitting conditions

Game Odds

Los Angeles Angels         9.5

Philadelphia Phillies      – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, July 18, 2025