Photo credit: @Athletics

By: Mary Anne

The Oakland Athletics continued their division rivalry series against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night. The A’s defeated the Angels 7-3 at Angel Stadium for their 50th win of the season. Oakland improved to 50-111, while Los Angeles fell to 72-89.

The A’s starting lineup featured Ryan Noda, Zack Gelof, Brent Rooker, JJ Bleday, Shea Langaliers, Jordan Diaz, Carlos Pérez, Nick Allen, Esteury Ruiz, and Joe Boyle. Boyle (2-0, 1.69 ERA) took the win after pitching for seven innings and giving up two hits, three earned runs, two walks, six strikeouts, and one home run.

The A’s wasted no time getting on the board. Zack Gelof homered on a fly ball to left field for an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

The Angels finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh inning. Mike Moustakas was out on a sacrifice fly to Brent Rooker. Nolan Schanuel scored to tie the ballgame 1-1. Brandon Drury went to third base with two outs.

The Angels then took the lead. Logan O’Hoppe homered on a fly ball to center field. Brandon Drury scored to put the Angels up 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The A’s responded with a five-run eighth inning to regain the lead. Zack Gelof singled on a ground ball to Jo Adell. Nick Allen scored to cut the Angels’ lead to 3-2. Esteury Ruiz went to third base, while Ryan Noda went to second base. And, with Brent Rooker batting, Ruiz scored on a balk to tie the game 3-3. Noda advanced to third base on a balk, while Gelof advanced to second base on a balk. In addition, Shea Langaliers homered on a fly ball to right center field. Noda scored to extend the A’s lead to 6-3.

The A’s added a run in the top of the ninth inning. Zack Gelof singled on a ground ball to Mickey Moniak. Tyler Sodestrom scored to expand the A’s lead to 7-3. Esteury Ruiz went to third base.

Notes
Esteury Ruiz tied the AL rookie stolen base record with 66 stolen bases.

In his second season with the A’s, Dany Jiménez (reliever) represents San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Up Next
The A’s will conclude their series and season with a finale against the Angels on Sunday afternoon at 12:07 pm Pacific. The A’s will start JP Sears (5-13, 4.49 ERA), but the Angels’ starter is TBD.