Los Angeles Angels closer Raisel Iglesias (32) gives thanks to the good Lord after sealing a victory against the Oakland A’s at the Oakland Coliseum on Sun May 24, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Morris Phillips

Once the A’s home run show concluded, the Angels’ desperation act commenced. It proved to be a powerful force at the Big A on Sunday afternoon.

Down 4-1 in the sixth, the Angels rallied with a run in the sixth, three in the seventh and the tie-breaking, game winner in the eighth courtesy of Justin Upton’s run scoring sacrifice fly.

With the rally, the Angels avoided an embarrassing sweep by their rivals at home, as well as a sixth loss in seven games since their team leader Mike Trout went on the injured list with a calf strain.

“We feel that we have put ourselves in position for a win and it just hasn’t worked out for us,” Upton said. “Hopefully this will spark the club.”

The A’s hit eight home runs in the series including a two-run shot from Seth Brown and another from Matt Olson on Sunday. They also got a quality start from Sean Manaea over five innings, but couldn’t get it to stand up.

“Give credit to them. They didn’t just roll over and let us have one,” Sean Murphy said. “Tough game sometimes.”

Dylan Bundy got the start for the Angels but didn’t survive the third inning as he was lifted by manager Joe Maddon after just 50 pitches. Five relievers followed but all were on point keeping the A’s off the scoreboard the remainder of the afternoon.

The A’s maintain their 1 1/2 game lead in the AL West despite the loss, and they’re just a game behind the Red Sox and Rays for the American League’s best record.

The A’s are back at home on Monday for the start of a three-game set with the Mariners. Frankie Montas gets the start in the opener in a matchup with Seattle’s Yusei Kikuchi.