The Oakland Athletics snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Angels by riding three home runs and a strong start from rookie Jack Perkins to a 10–3 win on Friday night. Entering the contest as slight -115 favorites on the betting line, the Athletics backed up expectations with one of their most complete offensive performances in recent weeks.
In his third career start, Perkins (2–2) struck out seven batters across five innings. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed three runs on five hits and three walks but worked through traffic to keep the Athletics in control. It marked his second straight win, following a six-inning outing against Baltimore, where he earned his first victory as a starter.
The Athletics’ lineup broke through early. Brent Rooker opened the third inning with a double and advanced on a single from Nick Kurtz. Rookie Colby Thomas then drove a first-pitch curveball from Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi into the left-center seats for a three-run homer, giving Oakland a 4–1 advantage. Thomas finished the night with three hits and three runs batted in, continuing to solidify his role in the lineup.
Kikuchi (6–8) struggled to find consistency, surrendering four runs on five hits across four innings. He was tagged for a solo homer by Shea Langeliers in the second inning and later allowed an RBI single to the Athletics catcher, who contributed two runs on the evening.
The Angels briefly cut into the deficit in the fifth. After Bryce Teodosio drew a leadoff walk, shortstop Zach Neto sent a two-run homer over the wall to pull Los Angeles within 4–3. That was as close as the visitors would come. Oakland’s bullpen held the Angels scoreless the rest of the way, while the offense steadily added insurance.
Langeliers’ RBI single pushed the lead to two runs in the sixth. In the eighth inning, Oakland broke the game open when Kurtz blasted a three-run homer to right field, capping a rally that put the contest out of reach. Kurtz matched Thomas with three hits and three RBIs, highlighting a night in which the Athletics went 6-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
The Angels, by contrast, struggled in key moments and managed just one hit in seven chances with men in scoring position. Travis d’Arnaud provided an early RBI double in the second inning to score Yoán Moncada, but the lineup could not keep pace with Oakland’s power.
The victory ended a difficult stretch for the Athletics, who had lost eight straight to their division rivals dating back to last season. It also underscored the club’s ability to generate runs through both power and situational hitting.
The series continues Saturday with the Angels sending left-hander Tyler Anderson (2–7, 4.63 ERA) to the mound. The Athletics will counter with right-hander Luis Morales (0–0, 1.93 ERA), who has been impressed with limited action since his call-up. Oddsmakers have listed the matchup nearly even, with Oakland slightly favored at home as both teams look to establish momentum in the middle game of the series.
