Luis Morales delivered a steady performance in just his second career start. At the same time, Brent Rooker and Colby Thomas each homered to help the Oakland Athletics secure a 7–2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night. Oddsmakers had listed the Athletics as slight -120 favorites entering the contest, and they rewarded backers by taking control early and never looking back.
Morales (1–0), a 21-year-old right-hander called up earlier this month, earned his first major league victory. He pitched five innings, giving up just one run on three hits while striking out five and walking two. Across his first three appearances since being promoted on August 1, Morales has allowed only two runs over 9 2/3 innings, showing early promise for Oakland’s rotation.
The Athletics immediately grabbed momentum when Thomas connected for a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning, his third of the year. The blast extended Oakland’s league-leading first-inning runs this season to 90, five more than the Boston Red Sox, who sit second. Despite walking the bases loaded with two outs in the top half of the inning, Morales escaped without damage, then settled into a rhythm to limit Los Angeles’ opportunities.
Darell Hernaiz widened the lead in the third inning with a two-run single, giving the Athletics a 4–0 advantage. Rooker, who has been one of Oakland’s most consistent power threats, made it 5–1 in the fifth with a solo home run, his 23rd of the season. The Athletics added more cushion in the eighth inning when Rooker and Brett Harris each contributed RBI singles to push the margin to five runs.
Sean Newcomb closed the contest with 1 2/3 innings of relief, striking out three and picking up his first save of the season. The bullpen collectively kept Los Angeles off balance after Morales’ departure, ensuring the Angels could not mount a late comeback.
For Los Angeles, Nolan Schanuel stood out with three hits, continuing to serve as one of the team’s few consistent contributors during a difficult stretch. Starter Tyler Anderson (2–8) could not find command, allowing four runs on three hits and issuing five walks over 4 1/3 innings. The Angels, who came into the game as slight +100 underdogs, have now dropped six of their last 10 contests, while the Athletics have won six over the same span.
Morales’ outing demonstrated poise beyond his experience, particularly after his shaky first inning. Following his escape from the bases-loaded jam, he permitted only one runner to reach scoring position through the rest of his outing. His development has been a bright spot for Oakland as the club continues to evaluate its young talent.
The two teams conclude their three-game series on Sunday. The Athletics will send left-hander Jeffrey Springs (10–8, 4.08 ERA) to the mound, while the Angels counter with right-hander José Soriano (8–9, 3.84 ERA). Oakland will look to secure a series win and continue building momentum, while Los Angeles hopes to avoid being swept and regain ground in the American League standings.
