The Los Angeles Angels pulled off a stunning comeback to secure their first victory at Oakland this season with an 8-5 win over the Athletics on Sunday afternoon. The game featured a dramatic five-run eighth inning that saw the Angels rally from a three-run deficit to take the lead and ultimately secure the win.
The Angels entered the eighth inning trailing 5-2 and were facing the prospect of being swept in a three-game series by the Athletics. However, the team’s offense came alive in the eighth, with Kevin Pillar delivering the decisive blow with a tiebreaking two-run double. Pillar’s heroics capped off a remarkable comeback that saw the Angels score six runs in the inning.
The rally was sparked by singles from Logan O’Hoppe and Zach Neto, followed by a hit by pitch and a walk that loaded the bases. A pinch-hit RBI single by Nolan Schanuel and an RBI fielder’s choice by Anthony Rendon tied the game before Pillar’s double put the Angels ahead for good.
The Angels’ bullpen held firm in the final innings, with Luis Garcia picking up the win and Carlos Estevez notching his 18th save of the season. Miguel Andujar was a standout performer for the Athletics, contributing two singles and a home run to help Oakland build a 5-2 lead before the Angels’ comeback.
Neither starting pitcher factored into the decision, with Joey Estes of the Athletics and Carson Fulmer of the Angels both delivering solid but ultimately inconclusive performances. O’Hoppe, Neto, Schanuel, Rendon, and Taylor Ward all contributed two hits apiece for the Angels, while Mickey Moniak hit a crucial solo home run to tie the game in the fifth inning.
Lawrence Butler stood out for the A’s with a double, a single, and two runs scored, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Angels from completing their comeback victory.
Overall, it was a thrilling and dramatic game that showcased the resilience and offensive firepower of the Angels. The win will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost for the team as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.
