Fri Jul 18 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **Phillies Look to Capitalize on Schwarber’s All-Star Heroics as They Open Series Against Angels**
PHILADELPHIA – Riding high after Kyle Schwarber’s MVP performance in the All-Star Game, the Philadelphia Phillies begin the second half of their season tonight with a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Schwarber secured a National League victory in the All-Star Game with an unprecedented three-homer swing-off, vaulting him to MVP status and providing a significant morale boost for the Phillies.
The Phillies (55-41) currently sit atop the National League East, holding a narrow half-game lead over the Mets. They’ll send LHP Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.14 ERA) to the mound to face the Angels (47-49), who will counter with RHP Ryan Zeferjahn (5-3, 5.66).
The game marks the return of South Jersey native Mike Trout to Philadelphia. Trout, who’s batting .238 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs this season, will undoubtedly be a focal point for local fans.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philly and SportsRadio 94WIP (WDEL 101.7 FM/1150 AM in Delaware).
Manager Rob Thomson has also shuffled the lineup, moving Brandon Marsh up to the No. 6 spot and dropping Bryson Stott to ninth. “I just like Marsh’s at-bats right now,” Thomson explained. “I wanted to take a little heat off Stott and just move him down there…just kind of shake it up a little bit.” Marsh has been on a hot streak, while Stott has been struggling at the plate recently.
First Piper 