Angels rally past Red Sox 9-5 on June 24, 2025, as Zach Neto and Christian Moore spark a four-run eighth-inning comeback. Read how the Halos stole the win!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like a nail-biter destined for extras, the Los Angeles Angels decided to rewrite the script. Trailing for much of the night and locked in a 5-5 tie heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Halos unleashed a four-run barrage, fueled by the electrifying Zach Neto and clutch rookie Christian Moore, to seize a dramatic 9-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox at a roaring Angel Stadium.
Zach Neto was simply unstoppable: 3-for-4, a leadoff homer, two runs, two RBI, and a stolen base.
The tension was palpable in the bottom of the eighth. With the game on the line, the Angels' offense, which had been grinding all night, finally broke through. LaMonte Wade Jr. got things started with a single and a gutsy stolen base to get into scoring position. That set the stage for top prospect Christian Moore, who showed poise beyond his years by lifting a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Wade and giving the Angels a lead they would not relinquish. But they weren't done. After a Zach Neto single kept the pressure on, Travis d’Arnaud delivered the knockout blow—a two-run single that blew the game open and sent the Anaheim crowd into a frenzy.
While the eighth inning was the decider, Zach Neto was the engine for the Angels' offense all evening long. He kicked things off with a bang, launching a leadoff home run to immediately put the Halos on the board. He didn't stop there, finishing the night 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and a stolen base. His single in the eighth was a critical part of the game-winning rally, showcasing his ability to contribute in every facet of the game. Now batting .278 with 12 homers, Neto isn't just having a good season; he's becoming the heart and soul of this lineup.
The late-game heroics wouldn't have been possible without some clutch pitching. Starter Reid Detmers found himself in a massive jam in the seventh, with the bases loaded and the game hanging in the balance. He dug deep, striking out back-to-back Red Sox hitters to escape the threat and keep the score tied at 5-5. That gutsy performance passed the torch to the bullpen, where Sam Bachman, recently recalled from the minors, pitched a perfect eighth inning. His clean work not only kept the momentum on the Angels' side but also earned him a well-deserved first win of the season (1-0).
The only moment of concern came in the top of the ninth when closer Kenley Jansen was removed after just four pitches. The initial sight was worrying, but the diagnosis was thankfully minor: shoulder cramping. Jansen spoke to reporters after the game and insisted he expects to be fine and shouldn't miss any time. It was a sigh of relief for the team and fans alike, as Hector Neris came on to shut the door and secure the victory.
This was more than just a win; it was a statement. This team showed its fight, with key contributions from every corner of the roster—from the star shortstop to the rookie call-up to the battle-tested pitchers. It's the kind of resilient, character-building victory that can propel a team forward. As the Angels look to take the series from Boston, they'll carry the momentum from this thrilling comeback, proving once again that you can never count them out.
