Athletics right fielder Colby Thomas made a spectacular catch to rob Jo Adell of a home run in the first inning Sunday. The Angels rallied late to win 9-7 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. Denzer Guzman and Zach Neto delivered key homers for the visitors.
Thomas tracked a 96.5 mph fly ball and leaped at the short right-field wall to make the catch before crashing to the ground. The play ended the top of the first and drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
Athletics starter Jack Perkins said the catch was “absolutely insane” and helped maintain momentum. Manager Mark Kotsay noted the outfielders had held a pregame meeting to address recent defensive issues.
The Angels tied the game in the eighth when rookie Denzer Guzman hit a three-run homer off Hogan Harris. Zach Neto followed with a two-run shot in the ninth off Elvis Alvarado to secure the 9-7 victory.
Athletics outfielder Nick Kurtz hit a two-run homer earlier, but the team fell to 38-40 after leading early.
