The Athletics erased a seven-run deficit Friday night, tying the game on Jonah Heim’s pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning before completing a dramatic 12-11 win over the Los Angeles Angels in 10 innings.
Nick Kurtz drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 10th to force home the winning run and complete the Athletics’ largest comeback of the season. The victory came after Oakland surrendered 11 unanswered runs during the middle innings before mounting a sustained rally powered by four home runs.
The Angels appeared firmly in control after building a commanding lead, but the Athletics chipped away inning by inning before delivering another late comeback in front of their home crowd.
Angels Build Commanding Lead
Los Angeles broke the game open with an offensive outburst that featured five home runs, matching its season high for a single game.
Denzer Guzman, Jose Siri, Zach Neto, Logan O’Hoppe, and Nolan Schanuel all went deep as the Angels turned an early deficit into an 11-4 advantage.
The lineup produced timely power throughout the middle innings and seemed poised to hand José Soriano enough run support for another road win.
Soriano pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out six. He also walked four before turning the game over to the bullpen with a comfortable lead.
At that point, the Athletics faced a seven-run deficit with only four innings remaining.
Athletics Begin The Comeback
Oakland started its rally in the sixth inning when Zack Gelof delivered an RBI single.
The run did little to change the scoreboard immediately, but it marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround.
Gelof also extended his hitting streak to 23 games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
The Athletics gained more momentum in the seventh when Jacob Wilson connected for a two-run home run, trimming the deficit further and putting pressure on the Angels’ bullpen.
An inning later, Max Muncy added another two-run homer to bring Oakland within striking distance.
The Athletics continued to attack late in the game, refusing to let the large deficit dictate their approach.
Heim Delivers In The Ninth
The Angels entered the ninth inning still holding a two-run lead.
Tyler Soderstrom sparked the rally with a one-out double, bringing the tying run to the plate.
With two outs, manager Mark Kotsay called on Jonah Heim to pinch-hit.
Heim responded by launching a game-tying two-run homer, his second career game-tying pinch-hit home run. The blast tied the score at 11-11 and completed Oakland’s remarkable comeback from seven runs down.
The home run energized the Athletics and forced extra innings after the Angels had appeared in complete control for much of the evening.
Kurtz Forces Home Winning Run
The Athletics wasted little time creating another scoring opportunity in the 10th inning.
Automatic runner, Lawrence Butler advanced into scoring position after Henry Bolte drew a leadoff walk, and both runners executed a double steal.
Following a flyout by Muncy, Gelof was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Angels reliever Samy Natera Jr. entered in relief but struggled with his command. Facing Nick Kurtz, he issued a five-pitch walk that forced Butler home with the winning run.
The walk completed Oakland’s largest comeback of the season and capped one of its most dramatic victories of the year.
Bullpen Holds After Rough Start
Athletics starter Jeffrey Springs endured a difficult outing, allowing six runs on four hits and four walks over 3 2/3 innings.
Despite the early damage, Oakland’s bullpen stabilized the game long enough for the offense to recover.
Elvis Alvarado pitched two scoreless innings to earn the win after the Athletics completed the comeback.
The Angels, meanwhile, could not protect a sizable advantage despite producing one of their better offensive performances of the season.
Looking Ahead
The four-game series continues Saturday in West Sacramento.
The Athletics are scheduled to start right-hander J.T. Ginn, who enters with a 5-3 record and a 2.91 ERA.
The Angels had not announced a starting pitcher following Friday night’s loss.
