Colby Thomas, Shea Langeliers, and Nick Kurtz went deep, and rookie Jack Perkins struck out seven over five innings as the Oakland Athletics rolled past the Los Angeles Angels 10-3 on Friday night.
The victory snapped an eight-game losing streak for Oakland, which had dropped all seven prior meetings with the Angels this season.
Thomas and Kurtz each had three hits and three RBIs. Thomas, a 24-year-old rookie, delivered the first big blow with a three-run homer in the third inning, while Kurtz capped the scoring with a three-run blast in the eighth. Langeliers added a solo shot off Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi and later contributed an RBI single.
Making his third career start, Perkins (2-2) allowed three runs on five hits and three walks. Kikuchi (6-8) lasted only four innings, giving up four runs on five hits.
Los Angeles got on the board in the second when Travis d’Arnaud doubled home Yoán Moncada. In the fifth, Bryce Teodosio drew a walk before Zach Neto homered to cut the deficit to 4-3, but the Angels failed to score again.
Key Moment:
In the third, Brent Rooker doubled, Nick Kurtz singled, and Thomas jumped on the first pitch he saw, sending a curveball over the left-center wall for a three-run homer that gave Oakland a 4-1 lead.
Key Stat:
Oakland went 6-for-9 with runners in scoring position, while Los Angeles managed just 1-for-7.
Up Next:
The series continues Saturday with Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-7, 4.63 ERA) facing Athletics right-hander Luis Morales (0-0, 1.93 ERA).
