July 21, 2024; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Kevin Pillar (12) hits a hit ball during the eighth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Alameda County Stadium in Oakland An RBI double followed by a slider to third base. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports Kevin Pillar drove in five runs and a two-run double in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Athletics 8-5 on Sunday afternoon in Oakland for their first win of the season.
The Angels suffered losses after the All-Star break on Friday and Saturday, trailing 5-2 entering Game 8 and six games away from suffering their second straight three-game sweep in Oakland.
But with A's All-Star closer Mason Miller never warming up, the Angels turned to Oakland relievers Lucas Erceg and Scott Alexander Alexander, completely turned the game around. Six of Los Angeles' first seven batters reached safety on four hits, a walk and a pitched hit.
Singles by Logan O'Hoppe and Zach Neto set the stage for Elceg (2-3), Brandon Drury ) was hit by a pitch, and Jo Adell drew a walk to make it 5-3.
An RBI infield single by Nolan Schanuel and an RBI fielder's choice by Anthony Rendon tied the game, followed by Pillar's double over the left field fence. The visiting team always takes the lead.
Reliever Luis Garcia (4-1) and Carlos Estevez took over from there, with Estevez getting the ball rolling in the ninth on a wild pitch by Michel Otanes He made his 18th save after scoring a run in the first half of the inning.
Miguel Andujar had two singles and a home run to give Oakland a 5-2 lead. His fourth home run of the year broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning.
None of the starting pitchers made a decision.
Oakland's Joey Estes led by three runs after allowing two runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander walked two and struck out four. Angels right-hander Carson Fulmer was held to five hits and three runs in 4 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out three.
Ohope scored twice and joined Neto, Sanur, Rendon and Taylor Ward with two hits each for the Angels. Mickey Moniak hit his sixth home run of the year to tie Los Angeles at 2-2 in the fifth inning.
Lawrence Butler had a double, a single and a brace for the Athletics, who entered Sunday on a three-game winning streak.
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