A’s Suffer Heartbreaker to Open Road Trip

May 18, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler (4) hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A.

Vasquez-Imagn Images The Athletics and Los Angeles Angels matched up in the first game of this four-game series between these two longtime division rivals. Few would have thought that this game featuring two teams with struggling pitching staffs would turn out to be a pitching duel, yet that is what happened. Both starting pitchers performed well, especially the A’s starter J.

T. Ginn, who took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning. Unfortunately for the A’s, it was the Angels, particularly their shortstop Zach Neto, who got the last laugh, winning this series-opener 2-1 courtesy of Neto’s walk-off blast.

A’s leadoff hitter, right fielder Carlos Cortes, opened the game by working a walk against Angels’ starting pitcher Walbert Ureña. His team left him stranded, as the right-hander proceeded to retire the following three hitters and complete a scoreless first inning. Ginn matched Ureña’s opening frame, working a scoreless bottom of the first.