A Strong Start!
The Oakland Athletics kicked off the game with some promise. Lawrence Butler got on base right away with a walk. Then, Miguel Andujar hit a single to left, putting runners on first and second. But despite the great start, we couldn't capitalize, leaving Butler and Andujar stranded after JJ Bleday grounded out and Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers struck out back-to-back.We're on the Board! 
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, the Athletics finally broke through. Lawrence Butler doubled to left, setting the stage. JJ Bleday then hit a clutch double to right, bringing Butler home for the first run. The momentum continued as Brent Rooker doubled to left as well, scoring Bleday. At the end of the 3rd, we were up 2-0!Angels Strike Back 
The Angels came roaring back in the 4th and 5th innings. They managed to tie the game with some crafty hitting and a homer by Moniak. Despite our best efforts, the game was now tied at 2-2.Back on Top! 
Miguel Andujar took matters into his own hands in the bottom of the 5th, smashing a homer to left field, putting us ahead 3-2. JJ Bleday walked and then advanced to third after Brent Rooker was walked and a wild pitch by Joyce moved everyone up a base. Lawrence Butler scored on another wild pitch. Things were looking great as we ended the 7th with a 5-2 lead.Disastrous 8th Inning 
The 8th inning did not go our way at all. The Angels came back strong with key hits and costly wild pitches. Pillar delivered a critical double that brought in runs. By the end of the inning, the Angels had taken a 7-5 lead.Failed Comeback Attempt 
In the 9th inning, Lawrence Butler walked, giving us some hope for a rally. But back-to-back outs from Miguel Andujar, JJ Bleday, and a flyout by Brent Rooker ended our chances. We couldn't muster enough to come back this time, and the game closed with a final score of 8-5 in favor of the Angels.Final Thoughts
This one stings. Despite showing some great early-game promise and taking the lead, the bullpen just couldn't hold it together. It’s a tough loss, but we saw some strong at-bats from Lawrence Butler and Miguel Andujar. Let's hope for a better outcome in the next game!
Scoreboard for Angels @ Athletics (July 21st, 2024)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 15 | 0 |