Kevin Pillar hit a two-run double in the eighth inning as Los Angeles rallied against Oakland’s bullpen to defeat the Athletics 8-5 on Sunday, likely marking their final game ever at the Coliseum.
Logan O’Hoppe began the decisive inning with a single. Pinch-hitter Nolan Schanuel followed with an RBI single, and Jo Adell drew a bases-loaded walk from Lucas Erceg (2-3) as the Angels came back to end their franchise-long eight-game losing streak at the Coliseum, dating back to early last season.
An announced crowd of 10,380 attended the Angels’ last scheduled visit to Oakland, where they secured the AL West titles in 2004 and 2005, before the A’s move to Sacramento for at least the next three years and potentially to Las Vegas in 2028.
“There’s been so much history in this place. I will definitely miss it, having been a coach here, watching many young players develop here, and now returning as a manager,” said Ron Washington, who was a longtime third base and infield coach for the A’s and now manages the Angels.
“The fans are still the same, and the people here still love the Oakland A’s. It’s sad that things are about to change. Change is a part of life.”
Luis García (4-1) pitched the eighth inning for the win, while Carlos Estévez closed out the game for his 18th save.
The Angels recorded a 193-260 record at the Coliseum since the A’s moved to Oakland in 1968. “It was a great experience, and I will miss this place, but I’m happy we secured a victory here,” Washington said.
Pillar handed Washington the ball from the final out, understanding the significance of the souvenir for the veteran manager who spent many years in Oakland.
“We fell behind, we had to fight back, and we did what we needed to do to make it happen. That’s what it’s all about,” Washington said. “… I hope today’s win gets us back on track, because we struggled to score runs in the first two games here.”
Miguel Andujar hit a go-ahead home run in the fifth inning for the A’s, who had rookie right-hander Joey Estes in position to win consecutive starts for the first time this year.
