Walbert Ureña continued his impressive rookie campaign Saturday night, pitching five scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Athletics 7-0 behind a dominant combined pitching effort.
The Angels bounced back after surrendering a late seven-run lead in Friday’s series opener, receiving strong performances from both their pitching staff and offense. Ureña teamed with three relievers to limit the Athletics to five hits while Denzer Guzman homered and Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel each drove in two runs.
The win improved Los Angeles to 2-4 on its road trip and gave the club its seventh shutout of the season.
Ureña Continues Strong Rookie Season
Ureña delivered another steady outing while extending one of the longest consistent stretches by an Angels rookie pitcher in decades.
The 22-year-old right-hander allowed four hits over five scoreless innings. He struck out six and did not issue a walk while improving to 5-5 on the season.
The performance marked Ureña’s 10th consecutive start of at least five innings with three or fewer earned runs allowed. It is the longest such streak by an Angels rookie since Ron Romanick accomplished the feat over 10 games in 1984.
Although the Athletics put runners on base at times, Ureña consistently escaped trouble by attacking the strike zone and generating key outs.
His latest outing further strengthened what has become one of the brightest developments in the Angels’ rotation this season.
Angels Jump Ahead Early
Los Angeles wasted little time providing run support.
The Angels scored twice in the opening inning against Athletics starter J.T. Ginn, taking control before the home club had a chance to settle into the game.
While the offense created another scoring opportunity in the third inning with the bases loaded, the Athletics escaped without allowing a run, keeping the deficit manageable through the middle innings.
That changed in the sixth.
Big Sixth Inning Breaks Game Open
The Angels put the game out of reach with a four-run sixth inning.
After loading the bases, Zach Neto lined a two-run double down the left-field line to extend the lead. Moments later, Nolan Schanuel followed with another two-run double into the right-field corner, doubling the advantage and giving Los Angeles a comfortable cushion.
The offensive outburst rewarded a pitching staff that had kept the Athletics quiet throughout the evening.
Denzer Guzman added the final run in the seventh inning when he launched his second home run of the season off Geoff Hartlieb.
The rookie infielder continued to provide timely production after showing increasing confidence at the plate in recent games.
Adell And Walton Lead The Offense
Jo Adell and Donovan Walton paced the Angels’ lineup with three hits apiece.
Both players consistently reached base and helped create scoring opportunities throughout the night as Los Angeles collected timely hits after struggling offensively in Friday’s loss.
Neto and Schanuel each finished with two RBIs, while Guzman’s home run added another highlight to an efficient offensive performance that produced seven runs without requiring a late rally.
The balanced attack complemented another outstanding effort from the pitching staff.
Bullpen Completes The Shutout
Following Ureña’s five innings, the Angels bullpen ensured the Athletics never mounted a comeback.
Samy Natera Jr. retired all four batters he faced, bridging the game into the late innings. Ryan Zeferjahn followed by recording five outs while keeping Oakland off the scoreboard.
Veteran closer Kirby Yates handled the ninth inning to complete the combined five-hit shutout.
The relief corps protected the lead without allowing the Athletics to generate sustained pressure, securing the Angels’ seventh shutout of the season.
Ginn Can’t Repeat Previous Success
Athletics starter J.T. Ginn could not duplicate the success he enjoyed against Los Angeles in his previous outing.
Ginn, who carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Angels in May, allowed four runs on seven hits across 5 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three while falling to 5-4 on the season.
The Angels adjusted well after facing Ginn earlier in the year, capitalizing on scoring opportunities and steadily increasing their lead as the game progressed.
Looking Ahead
The four-game series concludes Sunday in West Sacramento.
The Athletics are scheduled to start rookie right-hander Jack Perkins, who enters with a 2-3 record and a 6.15 ERA.
The Angels will counter with left-hander Reid Detmers, who takes the mound with a 3-5 record and a 3.68 ERA as Los Angeles looks to secure a series split.
