Angels Win 9-5 Over Padres Amid Struggling 2025 MLB Season

The Los Angeles Angels started the 2025 season strong, winning seven of their first 10 games despite a challenging early road-heavy schedule, but have since struggled, falling to 17-23 and last place in the AL West. A recent wild 9-5 win over the San Diego Padres, highlighted by a Taylor Ward grand slam, was a rare bright spot amid their difficulties. The Angels face the Padres again in a series-deciding game, with San Diego boasting a strong home record and the best team batting average in MLB. Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez, with a 3.76 ERA this season, is expected to start, while the Angels have middling offensive stats, ranking 13th in slugging but 29th in total hits. Key players for the Padres include Manny Machado, hitting .331, while the Angels rely on Joseph Ward and Jo Adell for offensive production. This matchup could be pivotal for the Angels to regain momentum and for the Padres to secure the series win.