Zach Neto’s Late Blast Lifts Angels Over Pirates in Anaheim Thriller
Neto Nearly Cycles, Delivers Go-Ahead Homer in Eighth
ANAHEIM, Calif. — April 25
In a game that saw early fireworks and late-inning heroics, Zach Neto came through when it mattered most. His leadoff home run in the bottom of the eighth inning broke a 3-3 tie and sealed a 4-3 victory for the Los Angeles Angels over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night at Angel Stadium.
Neto, showing off his versatility at the plate, was just a triple shy of the cycle. He doubled in the first, singled in the fifth, and launched the decisive homer in the eighth — a blast that energized the home crowd and gave the Angels their second win of the series.
Logan O’Hoppe’s Long Ball Sparks Comeback
The Angels’ offense had struggled to gain momentum early, falling behind 3-0 by the second inning. But the tide turned in the fourth thanks to Mike Trout’s leadoff triple, a Taylor Ward RBI single, and a two-run homer by Logan O’Hoppe, who notched his sixth homer of the season. The shot into the left field seats tied the game and injected life into the dugout.
O’Hoppe’s clutch swing erased what had been a dominant early showing by Pittsburgh and allowed the Angels to reset and regroup.
Jansen Shuts the Door, Zeferjahn Grabs the Win
After Neto’s go-ahead homer, the Angels bullpen took care of business. Ryan Zeferjahn (2-0) worked a clean eighth inning to earn the win. Then it was up to veteran closer Kenley Jansen, who calmly handled the ninth for his sixth save of the season and 453rd career save. Jansen ended the game by getting Oneil Cruz to line out to right field with the tying run on base, preserving the Angels’ hard-fought victory.
Gorski’s Debut Highlight for Pirates
While Pittsburgh came up short, they had something to celebrate. Matt Gorski, called up from Triple-A Indianapolis, homered in his first major league at-bat, a solo shot to lead off the second inning. It was a storybook moment for the 27-year-old, who has been patiently waiting for his chance.
“I’ve been carrying a nice outfit in my travel bag for 2 1/2 years,” Gorski joked pregame. “It’s finally going to pay off for me.”
His blast followed Oneil Cruz’s solo home run on the second pitch of the night, and helped the Pirates jump out to an early 3-0 lead. But that early cushion wasn’t enough to fend off the Angels’ late charge.
What’s Next?
With the win, the Angels continue to build momentum as they look to climb the standings. The Pirates, despite some bright individual performances, will need to shore up their bullpen as they head into the weekend stretch.
This one had everything — power, pressure, and the promise of rising stars. And at the heart of it all, Zach Neto stood tall.
