A's fall to Angels 4-2 on June 11, 2025, despite Tyler Soderstrom's 14th homer and Jacob Wilson's hot hitting. Read how the rookies shined in defeat.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a familiar feeling for Oakland Athletics fans this season: moments of individual brilliance overshadowed by the final score. Wednesday's game in Anaheim was a perfect microcosm of the 2025 campaign, as Tyler Soderstrom launched another homer and Jacob Wilson continued his incredible hitting display, yet the A's ultimately fell to the division-rival Angels, 4-2.
Rookie infielder Jacob Wilson collected two more hits, raising his season batting average to a blistering .366.
Despite the loss, Tyler Soderstrom continues to be the A's most formidable power threat. He connected for his team-leading 14th home run of the season, a solo shot that briefly gave Oakland life. Soderstrom now also leads the team with 44 RBIs, cementing his status as the run-producing anchor in the middle of the order. While the team struggles to string together rallies, Soderstrom's bat remains a constant source of excitement and a clear building block for the future.
What more can be said about Jacob Wilson? The rookie infielder just keeps hitting. With another multi-hit performance against the Angels, Wilson pushed his batting average to an astounding .366. He's not just getting lucky; he's consistently finding holes and providing a steady presence at the top of the lineup. His plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills are proving to be elite, making him arguably the team's most valuable offensive player and a serious contender for Rookie of the Year honors if he maintains this pace.
Starter JP Sears delivered another solid outing, which has become his trademark. He battled for 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits while striking out 5. Sears kept the A's in the game, giving them a chance to win. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't provide the necessary support against Angels starter Kyle Hendricks, who held Oakland to just two runs over seven frames. The A's bullpen allowed one more insurance run in the 8th, sealing the team's 43rd loss of the season.
For those wondering about potential shake-ups, it was a quiet day. The organization announced no trades, roster moves, or injury updates. The farm system was equally uneventful, with no major promotions or standout performances reported. For now, it seems Manager Mark Kotsay and GM David Forst are maintaining the status quo, letting the young players on the major league roster continue to develop.
While the 26-43 record is tough to swallow, the nightly performances of players like Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson offer a compelling reason to tune in. These aren't just moral victories; they're the foundational pieces of the next competitive A's team taking shape before our eyes. The A's will look to salvage a win in the series finale against the Angels tomorrow, hoping the rest of the lineup can catch the spark provided by their young stars.
