On his bobblehead night, Zach Neto's walk-off single led the Angels to a 3-2 win over the Mariners on July 26, 2025, snapping a four-game losing streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
You can't write a better script. On a night dedicated to him, with thousands of his own bobbleheads dotting the Angel Stadium crowd, Zach Neto stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning and delivered pure Hollywood. His two-out, walk-off RBI single capped a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners, snapping a frustrating four-game losing streak and giving the Halos a desperately needed jolt of energy.
On a night when thousands of his own bobbleheads filled the stands, Zach Neto delivered a moment even better than the souvenir: his first career walk-off hit.
Before he played hero with the bat, Zach Neto saved the game with his glove. In the top of the 10th, with the Mariners threatening with two on and no outs, Neto's stellar defensive play was instrumental in helping reliever Ryan Zeferjahn escape the jam unscathed. It was the perfect setup for his own heroics. The walk-off single, his second hit of the night, wasn't just a game-winner; it was a statement from the young shortstop who is quickly becoming the heart and soul of this team.
The late-game drama was only possible because of a crucial early spark. Jo Adell, mired in a tough 1-for-20 slump, came through in the first inning with a massive two-out, two-run double that gave the Angels an immediate lead. It was a huge sigh of relief for Adell and the fanbase, showcasing the impact he can have when he's on. That early lead was protected by starter José Soriano, who delivered another quality outing, pitching six solid innings and allowing just two runs while striking out five.
The win doesn't happen without the gutsy performance of Ryan Zeferjahn (6-3) in the top of the 10th. Entering a nightmare scenario with runners on first and second and no outs, Zeferjahn didn't flinch. He buckled down, getting a crucial out thanks to Neto's defense before fanning the dangerous Cal Raleigh with a blistering 99-mph fastball to end the threat. It was a high-leverage, high-velocity escape act that electrified the stadium.
The good news continued into Saturday, as the Angels announced the reinstatement of veteran outfielder Chris Taylor from the 10-day injured list. Taylor's return provides much-needed depth and a seasoned bat for the lineup. To make room on the roster, promising young outfielder Gustavo Campero was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake. The move signals a desire to blend veteran stability with the team's emerging young core as they look to build on Friday's win.
One dramatic win doesn't erase a 50-54 record, but this one felt different. It was a total team effort, filled with clutch performances from young stars and gritty veterans. With the losing streak over and a leader like Chris Taylor back in the fold, the Angels have a chance to build real momentum. The challenge now is to bottle this energy and carry it forward, turning a storybook night into a season-changing run.
