MLB Game Preview: Los Angeles Angels (59-62) vs. Athletics (54-69)

Venue: Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
First Pitch: 10:05 PM ET
Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports West, NBC Sports California
Radio: 940 WINZ (Angels), KHTK 1140 AM (Athletics)

Match Context

The Angels open a three-game road series against the Athletics, holding a 7–0 edge in the season series. Both teams sit in the bottom half of the AL West, but the Angels remain within reach of a Wild Card spot. Oakland has been competitive lately, going 5–5 in their last 10 and outscoring opponents by 17 runs.

Los Angeles is 26–32 on the road and has hit the over in 8 of its last 10 games. Oakland is 24–36 at home and 29–60 when allowing a home run.

Starting Pitchers

Los Angeles Angels – Yusei Kikuchi (6–7, 3.37 ERA, 1.42 WHIP)

• 146 K in 139.2 IP
• 9 quality starts
• 7.1 shutout innings vs. Oakland earlier this season
• 3.37 ERA ranks 25th among qualified MLB starters

Athletics – Jack Perkins (1–2, 4.08 ERA, 1.05 WHIP)

• 28 K in 35.1 IP
• 2.3 BB/9, 7.1 K/9
• First career start vs. Angels
• Athletics are 2–3 in his last 5 outings

Key Hitters to Watch

Los Angeles Angels

• Taylor Ward – 29 HR, 90 RBI, .496 SLG
• Luis Rengifo – 10-for-33, 2 HR, 4 RBI in last 10 games
• Zach Neto – .269 AVG, team-high batting average

Athletics

• Brent Rooker – 24 HR, 28 doubles, .430 SLG
• Shea Langeliers – 5 HR in last 10 games
• Tyler Soderstrom – 71 RBI, team leader

Team Trends & Stats

Team	Record	Last 10	Batting Avg	Team ERA	Home/Road
Angels	59–62	6–4	.250	5.16	26–32 road
Athletics	54–69	5–5	.269	3.78	24–36 home

• Angels rank 3rd in MLB in home runs (173)
• Athletics rank 7th in slugging (.430) and home runs (166)
• Angels have hit the over in 8 of their last 10 games

Kikuchi’s consistency and the Angels’ power bats give them the edge, especially against a vulnerable Oakland bullpen. Expect fireworks at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park.