Angels Avoid Sweep! Adell's Big Day Propels LA to Victory Over Athletics

By: Marcelo Colombo Published On: 20/08/2025

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WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Jo Adell had a monster game on Sunday, leading the Los Angeles Angels to an 11-5 victory over the Athletics and preventing a three-game sweep. Adell blasted a three-run homer in the first inning and then delivered a crucial RBI single in the tenth to spark a six-run rally.

Kenley Jansen (5-2) was solid in the ninth, striking out two and pushing his career total to 1,268, securing his spot as the fourth-highest strikeout reliever in MLB history. Jansen's performance helped set the stage for the Angels' explosive tenth inning.

In the decisive tenth, with Mike Trout on third base, Adell singled to center field against Michael Kelly (2-2), giving the Angels a 6-5 lead. Christian Moore drove in another run with a grounder, and Luis Rengifo followed with a two-run triple off Ben Bowden. Bryce Teodosio added a sacrifice fly, and Zach Neto capped off the inning with a towering 436-foot home run to left-center, his 21st of the season.

The Athletics didn't go down without a fight. Rookie Nick Kurtz hit his 25th homer in the third, followed immediately by Shea Langeliers with his 26th. Lawrence Butler's 17th homer in the sixth brought the A's within one run, and Luis Urías tied the game with a two-out RBI single.

Despite loading the bases with two outs in the ninth, Jansen managed to get Butler to pop out, preserving the tie and setting the stage for the Angels' dramatic victory. Jansen now stands alone in fourth place for career strikeouts by a reliever, surpassing Craig Kimbrel. Ahead of him are Hoyt Wilhelm (1,363), Rich Gossage (1,340), and Aroldis Chapman (1,312).

The Angels (60-64) continue their homestand on Monday, hosting the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game series. Victor Mederos (0-0, 5.63 ERA) is scheduled to start. The Athletics (56-70) will travel to Minnesota for a series opener against the Twins on Tuesday night, with Jacob Lopez (6-6, 3.30 ERA) taking the mound.

The Angels have shown impressive resilience this season, leading MLB with 16 wins when trailing or tied after eight innings and 23 wins when trailing or tied after seven. They also lead MLB in extra-inning wins, tied with the Cleveland Guardians at nine.