Nolan Schanuel's walk-off single lifts the Angels over the Athletics 2-1 in a 10-inning thriller on June 11, 2025. Recap Schanuel's heroics and dominant pitching.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's the moment every kid dreams of in the backyard: bottom of the tenth, game on the line. For Nolan Schanuel, that dream became a reality Wednesday night at Angel Stadium. The Angels' first baseman ripped a single into the outfield, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Nolan Schanuel has now hit safely in six of his last seven games, raising his season average to .276.
The Angels and A's were locked in a 1-1 stalemate, a classic pitcher's duel that felt destined for a dramatic finish. Enter Nolan Schanuel. Stepping to the plate in the 10th, he delivered the biggest hit of his young career, a clean single that brought home the winning run. The 2-for-4 night was just the latest chapter in a scorching hot streak for Schanuel, who has been a catalyst for the offense recently. His clutch performance wasn't just a game-winner; it was a statement that the young first baseman is becoming a cornerstone of this lineup.
Schanuel's heroics wouldn't have been possible without an absolutely stellar performance from the entire Angels pitching staff. Starter Kyle Hendricks was masterful, navigating the A's lineup and keeping them off balance all evening. Though he didn't factor into the decision, his strong outing set the tone. The bullpen followed suit, holding Oakland to a single run through 10 tough innings. In a game where every pitch mattered, the Halos' arms were more than up to the task, proving this team can win the tight, low-scoring battles.
Just before the game, the front office made a move to shore up that very pitching staff. The Angels called up right-hander Shaun Anderson from Triple-A Salt Lake, while optioning Jose Fermin back down. This is a clear signal that the team is focused on maintaining a fresh and deep bullpen, a crucial component for success during this key stretch of the season. Anderson will provide another valuable arm for the manager to deploy in high-leverage situations, a move that looks even smarter after a 10-inning affair.
With the win, the Angels improve to 31-34, gaining valuable ground in the AL West. This wasn't just another victory; it was a gritty, character-building win fueled by clutch hitting and dominant pitching. As they look to build on this momentum, the Halos have shown they have the fight and the key pieces, like a red-hot Nolan Schanuel, to make some noise. Let's see if they can carry this energy into the rest of the series.
