Athletics falls short to beat Angels

Kevin Pillar capped a five-run eighth inning with a decisive two-run double and the Los Angeles Angels earned their first victory in Oakland this season with an 8-5 win over the Athletics on Sunday afternoon.

After losing before the All-Star break on Friday and Saturday, the Angels were just six outs away from their second three-game sweep in Oakland this month. They trailed 5-2 entering the eighth inning.

But with A’s All-Star closer Mason Miller never getting warmed up, the Angels threw to Oakland relievers Lucas Erceg and Scott Alexander to turn the game on its head. Six of Los Angeles’ first seven batters in the eighth reached base without an out on four hits, a walk and a hit by pitch.

Kevin makes it 7⃣!#RepTheHalo photo.twitter.com/uQT9hV8LU4

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 21, 2024

Athletics vs. Angels Summary

Singles by Logan O’Hoppe and Zach Neto of Erceg (2-3) set the stage for the rally, which began when Brandon Drury was hit by a pitch and Jo Adell singled with the bases loaded to make it 5-3.

A pinch-hit RBI single by Nolan Schanuel and a run-scoring fielder’s choice by Anthony Rendon tied the score, before Pillar doubled over the left-field fence to give the visitors the lead for good.

Relievers Luis Garcia (4-1) and Carlos Estevez took over from there, with Estevez earning his 18th save after the visitors scored a run in the ninth inning on a wild pitch by Michel Otanez.

Miguel Andujar singled twice and homered to help Oakland take a 5-2 lead. His fourth homer of the year broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth.

Neither starting pitcher received a decision.

Oakland’s Joey Estes left with a one-run lead after allowing two runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. The right-handed pitcher gave up two hits and struck out four. Angels right-handed pitcher Carson Fulmer gave up three runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. He gave up two hits and struck out three.

O’Hoppe, who scored twice, joined Neto, Schanuel, Rendon and Taylor Ward with two hits each for the Angels. Mickey Moniak hit a solo homer, his sixth homer of the year, to tie Los Angeles at 2-2 in the fifth inning.

Lawrence Butler doubled twice, singled and scored twice for the A’s, who began a three-game winning streak on Sunday.

–Field level media