Angels Rally to Defeat Athletics, Avoid Series Sweep

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — In a thrilling comeback, the Los Angeles Angels overcame a 6-0 deficit to defeat the Oakland Athletics 8-6 on Sunday, preventing a four-game sweep. Taylor Ward played a pivotal role in the victory, hitting a grand slam in the fourth inning off Oakland pitcher Osvaldo Bido, marking his fourth career slam and the fourth for the Angels this season. "It’s one of the most amazing feelings in baseball," Ward remarked after the game. The Athletics initially took control with a six-run third inning, highlighted by Brent Rooker's bases-clearing double. Bido struggled on the mound, allowing seven runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings. "We hung a slider to Ward and it changed the outcome of the game," Bido acknowledged, reflecting on the critical moment that shifted the game's momentum. Los Angeles clawed back into contention with a two-run single from Willie Calhoun, narrowing the gap to 6-3. Angels starter Jose Soriano was removed after a challenging third inning, during which he allowed four hits and a walk. Despite a fielding error by second baseman Brandon Drury that contributed to Oakland's scoring, Soriano remained focused, stating, "I kept doing my thing." Looking ahead, the Athletics will send left-hander JP Sears to the mound for his 22nd start of the season against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, while the Angels' Griffin Canning boasts a solid 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Rockies.