Angels fall to Astros 8-7 on June 22, 2025, in a close battle. Despite the loss, Nolan Schanuel's 4 RBIs and Zach Neto's play signal a bright future.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic 'so close, yet so far' kind of Sunday at Angel Stadium. The Halos battled back from an early deficit, trading blows with the division-rival Astros, only to see their ninth-inning rally fall a single run short in a gut-wrenching 8-7 loss. While the final score stings, the game offered a tantalizing glimpse of the future, with the team's young core showing up in a big way when it mattered most.
First baseman Nolan Schanuel went 2-for-4 with a pivotal three-run homer and a total of four RBIs.
The game was largely defined by the Angels' pitching performance, which was a story of two distinct halves. Starter Jack Kochanowicz had a tough day at the office, battling through 5.1 innings but ultimately surrendering six runs (five earned) to a potent Astros lineup fueled by homers from Mauricio Dubón and Jeremy Peña. However, once the bullpen took over, it was a different story. The relief corps locked it down, holding the Astros scoreless for the remainder of the game and giving the offense a fighting chance to climb back in it.
If you're looking for a silver lining, you don't have to look further than Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto. Schanuel was the offensive engine, single-handedly putting the Angels back in the game with a towering three-run homer in the fifth that gave the Halos a temporary lead. He wasn't done, adding an RBI single later to finish with four RBIs on the day. Not to be outdone, Zach Neto launched his seventh homer of the season in the bottom of the ninth, a solo shot that electrified the crowd and brought the Angels within a single run. These are the moments fans have been waiting for—the young cornerstones proving they can carry the load.
The Angels are still navigating the absence of key slugger Jorge Soler, who remains on the 10-day injured list. His power bat is clearly missed in the heart of the order. To provide some depth, the team recalled Gustavo Campero from Triple-A Salt Lake, though he did not appear in Sunday's game. Getting Soler back healthy will be a major priority, but it's encouraging to see others stepping up in the meantime.
Losing a series to a division rival is never easy, especially in a one-run game. But Sunday's loss felt different. It was a showcase of resilience and a testament to the development of the team's young talent. The challenge now is to pair that offensive spark with more consistent starting pitching. As the Angels look ahead, the key will be building on the brilliant performances of Schanuel and Neto and turning these hard-fought battles into victories.
