April 4, 2017

Danny Espinosa hit a 3-run home run in the 9th inning to propel the Angels to a 7-6 victory over the A’s.  It was Espinosa’s first hit as an Angel, and the Halos first victory of 2017,

The night was also highlighted by Matt Shoemaker’s return to the mound, after taking a line drive off his head late last season.  Shoemaker pitched 5 solid innings for the Angels, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits, and departing with a 4-2 lead.

“He’s very determined,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s been very determined his whole career to get to this point. I think once he was physically fit, I think everyone felt that he would come back. He’s got the perseverance to get back on that mound and hopefully have the success that he had before.”

Andrew Bailey pitched a scoreless 8th inning to collect the win.  Cam Bedrosian picked up his 2nd career save and his first of the season by shutting down Oakland in the 9th.

The Halos will be back at it in game 3 of the series on Wednesday night.  Garrett Richards will take the mound for the Angels, in his first start May 1, 2016.  Richards underwent stem cell treatment to repair ligament damage in his elbow.  The A’s will counter with Jharel Cotton.