The Oakland Athletics used a massive seven-run third inning, highlighted by JJ Bleday’s three-run homer, to rally from an early deficit and defeat the Los Angeles Angels 10-4 on Friday night at Angel Stadium.
Oddsmakers had Los Angeles listed as slight -115 favorites entering the game, with Oakland at +105. The over/under closed at 8.5 runs, a number that was surpassed before the fourth inning was complete.
Oakland starter Mason Barnett (1-1) endured a rocky beginning, allowing four runs in the first inning after hitting a batter and walking three, two of those with the bases loaded. Despite the shaky start, the 24-year-old right-hander quickly regained his composure, limiting Los Angeles to just one hit across the next four frames while striking out eight. The outing earned him his first career major league victory in only his second start.
Opposite him, Angels starter José Soriano (10-10) entered the game riding a streak of 12 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, but that momentum evaporated quickly. Soriano surrendered eight runs on six hits in just 2 1/3 innings, walking four and striking out five. His early exit left Los Angeles playing from behind the rest of the way.
The Angels opened with a strong first inning, taking a 4-2 lead thanks to Soriano’s support on the mound. But Oakland immediately answered back in the third. Shea Langeliers led off with a single, and Tyler Soderstrom added another hit before Jacob Wilson drew a walk to load the bases. Lawrence Butler cut into the deficit with an infield single, and Zack Gelof tied the score with an RBI base hit. Wilson scored on a wild pitch to give the Athletics the lead, and then Bleday delivered the pivotal blow, sending a full-count sinker over the left-field wall for a three-run homer. Brent Rooker was later hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, capping the seven-run frame and putting Oakland firmly ahead 9-4.
Oakland’s bullpen held the line after Barnett departed. Justin Sterner, Elvis Alvarado, and Michael Kelly combined for four hitless innings to secure the win. Butler, who finished with three hits, added a solo homer in the ninth to stretch the lead to 10-4.
For Los Angeles, José Ureña provided some relief by striking out six in five scoreless innings, but the damage was already done. The Angels’ offense, which capitalized early on Barnett’s control issues, failed to mount a comeback after the first inning and managed only two hits the rest of the night.
Bleday’s 13th homer of the season was the turning point, breaking open a contest that began with both starters struggling through a laborious 30-minute first inning. By the time Oakland’s rally was complete, the Angels were left chasing a game slipping away rapidly.
The series continues Saturday with Oakland sending right-hander J.T. Ginn (2-6, 5.17 ERA) to the mound against Los Angeles left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (6-10, 3.83 ERA). The Athletics will look to secure the series, while the Angels aim to bounce back and even the set.
