Angels Ride Breakout Stars O’hoppe and Neto to Sixth Consecutive Victory
WEST SACRAMENTO — The Los Angeles Angels are riding high on a six-game winning streak, thier longest since june 2024, fueled by the dynamic performances of catcher Logan O’Hoppe and shortstop Zach Neto. Both players are not onyl enjoying breakout seasons but are also solidifying their positions as franchise cornerstones at critical spots on the field.
Power Surge Propels Angels Past athletics
O’Hoppe and Neto delivered pivotal performances in Wednesday’s 10-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park. O’Hoppe launched two home runs that traveled a combined 901 feet, while Neto added a two-run blast, showcasing the offensive firepower that has become a hallmark of the Angels’ recent success.
Washington Praises Young Stars, Veteran contributions
Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the team’s reliance on O’Hoppe and Neto throughout the season but also highlighted the crucial contributions from veteran players. Taylor Ward went 3-for-5 with a double and a triple, Jorge Soler also went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and Luis Rengifo added a hit. Washington emphasized the importance of a balanced offensive attack:
It’s important. They’ve been doing it all year,and so whatever they’re doing right now,I’m not surprised,as they’ve been doing it all year. And it’s nice to have those other guys finally chipping in, and now it’s stretching out our lineup. Jorge is getting going. You see what Ward is doing. Rengifo is coming around. It’s going to stretch that lineup out, and that’s what we need.
Ron washington,Los Angeles Angels Manager
Ward is currently on a hot streak,recording an extra-base hit in seven consecutive games,while the team is focused on getting Soler and Rengifo consistently productive.
Did You Know?
The Angels’ current six-game winning streak is their longest since June 24-29, 2024. They have also secured consecutive series wins for the first time since April 4-6 against Cleveland and April 8-10 at Tampa Bay.
Team Chemistry and Confidence Soar
Jo Adell also contributed with a home run, further solidifying the Angels’ offensive dominance. The team is averaging six runs per game over their last 15 contests, posting a 10-5 record during that span. O’Hoppe expressed the team’s growing confidence and belief in their collective ability:
That’s what we know we’re capable of doing. I speak for a lot of guys in here when I say I’m not surprised to see the stuff we’re practicing and talking about. It’s nine vs. one and the guys on our bench can swing it, too. I’ve been saying since the beginning,if you don’t get it done,someone behind you can. It truly seems to be a theme with this team.
Logan O’Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels Catcher
O’Hoppe’s Mammoth Home Runs Ignite Offence
O’Hoppe, fresh off a home run and a crucial go-ahead RBI single in Tuesday’s game, set the tone early with a towering home run in the second inning. He crushed a first-pitch changeup from left-hander JP Sears, sending the ball a Statcast-projected 470 feet to left field. This was the longest home run of his four-year career and the second-longest in the Major Leagues this year, trailing only mike Trout’s 484-foot blast on April 19.
Pro tip: Analyzing Pitch Selection
O’Hoppe’s success against Sears’ changeup highlights the importance of pitch recognition and capitalizing on mistakes. Professional hitters often study pitchers’ tendencies to anticipate pitch types and locations.
Washington praised O’Hoppe’s strength and ability to capitalize on pitchers’ mistakes:
He’s a strong kid, and right now he’s seeing the ball well, and when they’re making mistakes, he’s not missing it. And so far, when he’s not missing it, he’s been hitting it for extra bases.
Ron Washington, Los Angeles Angels manager
Neto’s Timely Homer Regains Lead
After right-hander Jack Kochanowicz surrendered the lead on a three-run homer to Lawrence Butler in the second inning, Neto responded with a two-run homer off Sears on a 3-2 sweeper. This was Neto’s eighth home run in 30 games this year, marking a significant contribution since his return in mid-April following shoulder surgery in November.
O’Hoppe Extends Lead with Second Homer
O’Hoppe continued his power display in the fourth inning, connecting on a 1-2 sweeper from Sears and launching it a projected 431 feet to left field. This was his 13th home run of the year,tying him for seventh in the Majors with Ward and second among catchers,behind Cal Raleigh’s 16 with Seattle.
Washington emphasized the importance of having consistent contributors throughout the lineup:
Those kids have been showing up every day getting it done. So it’s nice that now we got everybody functioning.
Ron Washington, Los Angeles Angels Manager
Adell Joins the Home Run Barrage
Adell followed O’Hoppe’s second homer with a solo shot of his own on a 1-1 fastball from Sears, marking the first time this season the Angels have hit back-to-back home runs. This performance also marked the first time in 85 career starts that Sears has allowed four home runs in a single game.
Soler: Momentum is Key
Jorge Soler, through interpreter Manny Del Campo, highlighted the team’s positive momentum:
We’re in a good moment right now and have won the last six games. It’s been great and we have good momentum.
Jorge soler, Los Angeles Angels Outfielder
Kochanowicz Appreciates Offensive Support
Kochanowicz, who allowed four runs (three earned) over four-plus innings, did not factor into the decision but expressed his gratitude for the offense’s performance:
It’s huge.The boys picked me up today, for sure. They’re smashing the ball right now. I’ve never, never seen anything like it, honestly. But it’s awesome.
Jack Kochanowicz, Los Angeles Angels Pitcher
the Angels added two runs in the eighth and two more in the ninth to secure the victory.
