Joey Estes pitches a historic complete game shutout as the Oakland Athletics blank the Los Angeles Angels 5-0 on July 3, 2025. Read how Estes made history.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, an Oakland Athletics starting pitcher went the distance. Joey Estes was simply masterful on Thursday night, silencing the Los Angeles Angels' bats for a full nine innings in a dominant 5-0 victory. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement, marking the first individual complete game shutout for an A's pitcher in over three years and giving fans a massive jolt of excitement.
Joey Estes delivered the Athletics' first individual complete game shutout in more than three years, allowing just five hits in a 5-0 masterpiece.
From the first pitch, Joey Estes was in complete control. He carved through the Angels lineup, scattering just five hits and never letting them build any real threat. Improving his record to 3-3, Estes showcased the kind of top-tier potential the front office has been banking on. The dugout and fans watched in awe as he finished what he started, a rare and beautiful sight in modern baseball. This wasn't just a quality start; it was a career-defining performance that will be talked about for the rest of the season.
While Estes was the star, he had plenty of help. The offense gave him an early cushion and never looked back. Brent Rooker launched a 389-foot bomb and Max Schuemann added a 376-foot shot of his own, providing the power. Meanwhile, Lawrence Butler, fresh off his big seven-year, $65.5 million extension, continued to prove his worth, getting on base and scoring twice. The defense was also flawless, committing zero errors. Catcher Shea Langeliers, in just his second game back from the IL, was a wall behind the plate, throwing out two would-be base stealers to kill any potential Angel rallies.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but this is the kind of win that can turn a season around. At 3-5, the A's are still looking up at the Texas Rangers in the AL West, but this victory provides a clear blueprint for success: dominant starting pitching, solid defense, and timely power. With the roster stable and no new transactions shaking things up, the current group has a chance to build chemistry. The energy is palpable, with Estes and Butler taking to social media to celebrate the win and rally the fanbase. This win feels different; it feels like a building block.
This was a night to remember, but the grind doesn't stop. The A's will look to carry this incredible momentum into the weekend as they prepare for a crucial series against the rival San Francisco Giants. If Joey Estes' performance is a sign of things to come, this team might just be ready to make some serious noise in the American League. The push for a playoff spot is on, and for the first time in a while, it feels truly possible.
