The Athletics outlasted the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 in 10 innings on Thursday night, using a controversial game-ending play and another strong pitching performance to secure a series victory at Angel Stadium.
Zack Gelof delivered the decisive run in the top of the 10th inning when his ground ball forced a close play at first base that initially appeared to end the inning. After a successful challenge by the Athletics, the ruling was overturned and Nick Kurtz was awarded the go-ahead run.
The defeat continued a difficult stretch for Los Angeles, which has now lost 11 of its last 13 games. Despite an early lead and another quality outing from José Soriano, the Angels could not hold off a persistent Athletics lineup that chipped away at the deficit before prevailing in extra innings.
Schanuel Provides Early Spark
The Angels started quickly against Athletics right-hander Luis Severino.
Nolan Schanuel gave Los Angeles an immediate boost in the first inning when he launched a two-run home run to put the home team ahead 2-0. The blast accounted for the Angels’ only runs of the night and briefly appeared enough to support another strong outing from Soriano.
After Schanuel’s homer, however, the Angels offense struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Severino settled into rhythm and dominated the remainder of his outing. The veteran right-hander allowed only three hits across seven innings while striking out 10 batters. His ability to neutralize the Angels lineup kept the Athletics within striking distance throughout the evening.
Los Angeles managed few opportunities after the opening inning and failed to add valuable insurance runs.
Soriano Continues Strong Form
Soriano once again gave the Angels a chance to win.
The right-hander worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out seven. He consistently limited damage and kept the Athletics off balance through most of the game.
The Athletics finally broke through in the sixth inning.
With two outs, Shea Langeliers lined a double off the wall in left-center field. Kurtz followed with a single up the middle that scored Langeliers and cut the Angels’ lead to 2-1.
The hit extended Kurtz’s on-base streak to 44 consecutive games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball this season. The impressive run has become one of the defining individual achievements of the Athletics’ campaign.
The visitors carried that momentum into the seventh.
Athletics Pull Even
The Athletics completed their comeback in the seventh inning.
Gelof reached scoring position and eventually crossed the plate when Darrell Hernaiz delivered a run-scoring single to left field. The hit tied the game at 2-2 and ended Soriano’s night.
Once the score was level, both bullpens took control.
Relievers from both clubs kept the game tied through the final innings of regulation. Neither offense generated a breakthrough opportunity, forcing the contest into extra innings.
The Athletics bullpen played a major role in keeping the Angels scoreless. Joel Kuhnel worked a clean ninth inning and positioned his club for a chance to take the lead in the 10th.
Replay Reversal Decides Outcome
The game’s defining moment arrived in the top of the 10th inning.
With the bases loaded and one out, Gelof hit a ground ball toward shortstop Zach Neto. Neto recorded the force at second base, and the Angels appeared positioned to turn a potential inning-ending double play.
However, second baseman Adam Frazier struggled to transfer the ball cleanly from his glove before making the throw to first base.
The throw arrived late, and Gelof was initially ruled out. The Athletics immediately challenged the call.
After a review, officials overturned the ruling and determined Gelof reached first safely. Because the play occurred with the bases loaded, Kurtz scored from third base, giving the Athletics a 3-2 lead.
The reversal proved decisive.
Angels Unable To Respond
Los Angeles entered the bottom of the 10th needing one run to extend the game and two to win it.
Athletics reliever Mark Leiter Jr. had other plans.
The veteran right-hander retired the Angels in order and secured his fourth save of the season. His efficient inning ended any hopes of a late comeback and completed another strong effort from the Athletics pitching staff.
For the Angels, the loss wasted a quality performance from Soriano and another early contribution from Schanuel. The club continues to search for consistency after falling deeper into a difficult stretch.
The Athletics, meanwhile, left Anaheim with momentum after winning a tightly contested series against a division rival.
Up Next
The Angels open a three-game home series against the Texas Rangers on Friday night. Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez is scheduled to make the start as Los Angeles looks to halt its recent slide and build momentum before heading out on the road.
The Athletics begin a three-game series in San Diego on Friday. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs is expected to take the mound against Padres right-hander Walker Buehler as Oakland looks to carry its winning form into another important matchup.
