Shea Langeliers' 8th-inning, 2-run homer off Jhoan Duran powered the A's to a stunning 6-5 comeback win over the Twins on June 21, 2025. Recap the drama!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like another tough loss was on the books, Shea Langeliers rewrote the script. With one mighty swing in the bottom of the eighth, the A's catcher blasted a two-run homer off the formidable Jhoan Duran, turning a one-run deficit into a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory over the Minnesota Twins. It was a moment of pure electricity, a reminder that even in a rebuilding season, this team has plenty of fight.
With the A's trailing 5-4 in the eighth, Shea Langeliers stepped up and launched his 13th home run of the season, a go-ahead two-run shot that secured the win.
The bottom of the eighth inning felt tense. The A's were down 5-4, facing one of the league's hardest throwers in Jhoan Duran. But Daz Cameron worked his way on base, setting the stage for Shea Langeliers. Langeliers, who had already driven in a run earlier, didn't flinch. He connected on a pitch and sent it sailing for a go-ahead, two-run blast, his 13th of the year. The dugout erupted, and the A's suddenly had a lead they wouldn't relinquish. It was the kind of clutch, game-defining hit that fans will be talking about for weeks.
While Langeliers provided the late-game fireworks, the A's wouldn't have even been in a position to win without Tyler Soderstrom. The young slugger was a force all night, going 3-for-4 at the plate. His biggest hit came in the fifth inning – a clutch two-run double that kept Oakland in the thick of it. Soderstrom drove in three of the A's first four runs, proving once again that he's a core piece of this offense.
It wasn't a perfect night for the pitching staff. Starter Joey Estes battled through 6.1 innings but was tagged for five earned runs on ten hits. He kept the team in the game, but it was the bullpen that ultimately sealed the deal. After Sean Newcomb technically earned the win without facing a batter due to the A's taking the lead, it was up to Mason Miller to close it out. And close it out he did. Miller was untouchable in the ninth, striking out two in a perfect frame to lock down his 14th save of the season. His dominance continues to be a major bright spot.
Let's be real: this win doesn't magically change the standings. The A's are still in 5th place in the AL West at 31-46, and the playoff odds remain slim. But wins like this matter. They build confidence for a young clubhouse and give fans a reason to cheer. Manager Mark Kotsay is overseeing a team full of developing talent, and nights like tonight show the potential of that core. With no new injuries or roster moves to report, the focus remains squarely on developing the players on the field.
This was more than just one win in a 162-game season; it was a statement. It showed that the young A's can hang with tough teams and win in dramatic fashion. As they continue this series against the Twins, they'll look to carry this momentum forward. A victory fueled by the power of Langeliers and Soderstrom is exactly the kind of building block this team needs. Let's see if they can do it again tomorrow.
