The Philadelphia Phillies pulled off a stunning late comeback Friday night, turning a two-run deficit into a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels behind a historic ninth-inning blast from pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth, Sosa crushed a low changeup from Sammy Peralta 404 feet to center field for the first grand slam of his career. The drive sailed well beyond the reach of Mike Trout, completing one of Philadelphia’s most dramatic rallies of the season.
Sosa’s grand slam came just two batters after Angels outfielder Wade Meckler made a spectacular catch to seemingly preserve Los Angeles’ lead.
Meckler reached deep into the right-field stands and stretched his glove among the fans while throwing his body onto the waist-high wall of the short porch to rob Bryson Stott of what appeared to be a game-tying three-run homer. Instead of ending the threat, the Angels’ bullpen unraveled moments later.
Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford had reached base without a hit against Angels closer Ben Joyce before Meckler’s remarkable catch. J.T. Realmuto then drew a walk to load the bases, chasing Joyce from the game.
Peralta entered to face Sosa, who delivered the decisive blow. The grand slam marked the Phillies’ first go-ahead slam with two outs in the ninth inning since Shane Victorino accomplished the feat in 2009. Los Angeles appeared to be in control after erupting for three runs in the first inning.
Meckler, returning from the concussion injured list, drove in a run on the first pitch he saw, helping the Angels jump ahead early. Philadelphia starter Andrew Painter struggled through a chaotic opening frame, throwing 28 pitches and two wild pitches that allowed runs to score for Trout and Meckler.
But Painter settled down in impressive fashion. After the difficult first inning, the right-hander retired the next 15 batters he faced, allowing no hits over five consecutive innings. His recovery kept Philadelphia within striking distance and gave the Phillies an opportunity to mount their comeback.
Angels starter Reid Detmers was equally resilient. He allowed one run and eight hits over six innings, limiting Philadelphia’s offense despite plenty of traffic on the bases.
Bryce Harper continued his remarkable stretch at the plate, extending his career-best on-base streak to 30 games. Harper reached on a bunt single in the fourth inning, adding another milestone to an already productive season for the Phillies star.
Philadelphia improved to 2-2 on its nine-game West Coast road trip with the victory and moved within one game of the Chicago Cubs for the top National League wild-card position. Alex McFarlane earned the win after pitching a scoreless eighth inning, improving to 4-1.
Rather than turning to closer Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia sent Jonathan Bowlan to the mound for the ninth. Bowlan allowed two Angels to reach base but recovered to strike out Adam Frazier and secure his second save.
For Los Angeles, the loss was another painful example of its bullpen struggles. The Angels held a 3-1 advantage entering the ninth inning and were only one out away from escaping the threat after Meckler’s incredible catch.
But Joyce could not finish the job, and the Angels’ decision to turn to Peralta ultimately resulted in the game-changing grand slam. The loss was the Angels’ fifth straight, further extending their struggles as the AL’s worst team.
For Philadelphia, the night belonged to Sosa. What looked like another frustrating loss suddenly became an unforgettable comeback when the pinch-hitter sent the ball soaring into the Los Angeles night. His first career grand slam not only gave the Phillies the lead but also delivered a dramatic 5-3 victory that could prove valuable as Philadelphia continues its push for the postseason.
