The A’s are back on the upswing, winners of three of their last four, and they roll into Anaheim tonight with a chip on their shoulder and revenge on their mind. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Angels swept the A’s in a humiliating four-game beatdown. But this isn’t the same A’s squad. There’s fight, there’s energy, and there’s Nick Kurtz. The former first-rounder is back in the lineup, and his presence changes everything—lengthens the order, sharpens the approach, and puts fear back in opposing dugouts. 

Tonight’s matchup won’t be easy. The Halos are coming off a series win against the Mariners, and they’re sending offseason prize Yusei Kikuchi to the mound. The lefty has been dealing lately and won’t be handing out free passes. But the A’s have a game plan: let Kikuchi work, grind out at-bats, and wait for a mistake. On the flip side, The A’scounter with Grant Holman as the opener, but all signs point to lefty Jeffrey Springs getting the bulk of the innings. Springs has been steady, mixing changeups and sliders with surgical precision—exactly the kind of guy who can keep the Angels off balance. 

This game isn’t just another Monday in June. This is a test. A chance to measure growth. Can the A’s turn that sting from last series into fuel and punch back against an Angels team that embarrassed them? Can the bats stay hot, the bullpen hold strong, and the energy keep rolling? If this team is going to claw its way back into the race, it starts with nights like this. Buckle up. This one matters.