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Angels Halt Oakland Athletics’ Plans To Sweep

By Ana Kieu

September 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) is tagged out at home by Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) in the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) is tagged out at home by Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) in the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland Athletics sent their ace Sonny Gray to the mound as they looked to break out the brooms against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Sunday afternoon.

We all know the Angels aren’t a good team, but they prevented the Oakland Athletics from completing a four-game sweep, thanks to Jefry Marte‘s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth.

C.J. Cron hit a line drive single to put the Angels on the board, then Johnny Giavotella followed with a sacrifice fly. The 2-0 lead might’ve startled A’s fans, but there was still plenty of time left in the ballgame.

Slowly, things began to improve. Oakland Athletics catcher Josh Phegley hit an impressive shot to the outfield. The A’s had the second and third bases with no outs. From this moment on, the A’s started to display execution. Jake Smolinski scored on Yonder Alonso‘s groundout to cut the lead in half.

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The Oakland Athletics’ bats came alive as they went back-to-back in the fourth inning. With two outs, Coco Crisp blasted a grand slam to left center, putting the A’s ahead 5-2. This was Crisp’s third career grand slam and first since 2007. Marcus Semien followed with a solo homer to make it 6-2 A’s. The A’s made a statement in their unforeseen comeback.

However, the Oakland Athletics had to watch their four-run lead diminish to two after Mike Trout hit a two run homer to center in the bottom of the seventh. The ball went over the wall and was out of reach for the A’s outfield. Khris Davis was unable to make the catch. There were two innings left, but the A’s have a tendency for blowing leads.

The Angels’ outfield played pretty deep. Giavotella’s curveball in the bottom of the eighth accounted for his 15th double of the season. This was an opportunity for a potential run for the Angels. Marte’s line drive single scored Giavotella and the Angels reduced the deficit to 6-5.

The Oakland Athletics’ bullpen didn’t meet expectations, but they had enough pitchers to use: Fernando Rodriguez, John Axford, Marc Rzepczynski and Liam Hendriks.

The Angels tied the game 6-6 in the bottom of the eighth when Andrelton Simmons hit a ground ball single to center. Kole Calhoun striked out swinging to end the inning.

Nervous much? The Oakland Athletics had a hefty 6-2 lead before allowing four runs, but anything could happen.

Marte hit a sacrifice fly to right, giving the Angels a 7-6 walk-off win over the Oakland Athletics. With the win, the A’s were prevented to sweep the four-game series.

The Oakland Athletics will head to AT&T Park to kick off the Bay Bridge series against the San Francisco Giants. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 pm PT on KNTV, CSCA.

Next: Best Center Fielder in A's History

Are you excited? Because I’m going to be on the edge of my seat!