A's hit 3 HRs, Laureano's 3 fine catches help top Angels 8-4

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Oakland manager Bob Melvin didn't know until an hour before Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels whether Ramón Laureano would be available.

After finding out that Major League Baseball wouldn't decide on his appeal of a six-game suspension, the Athletics center fielder helped his team avert a series sweep.

Laureano made three sensational catches in Oakland's 8-4 victory. The Athletics got three home runs and solid pitching from starter Chris Bassitt, but it was Laureano's glove work that ended up making the difference.

“He’s a Gold Glove center fielder, no doubt. He won us the game defensively," said Bassitt, who improved to 2-0 after going 5 2/3 innings. "I know we won it by a couple more runs, but he definitely saved us.”

Laureano made web gems in three straight innings and with the Athletics hanging on to a one-run lead. He made a sliding catch to rob Jo Adell of a single in the fifth and then made leaping grabs at the wall to rob Tommy La Stella and Brian Goodwin of extra-base hits in the sixth and seventh.

Oakland then broke it open with three runs in the eighth.

“I obviously wish he started serving his suspension today. Those were great plays, He was probably the biggest difference in today’s game,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said.

Melvin said he expects Laureano’s suspension for his role in Sunday’s benches-clearing brawl against the Houston Astros to begin Friday,. He was just happy to have him for at least one more game.

“I enjoy watching him play. He’s energetic. He knows how many steps it is to the wall. He’s really confident doing it,” Melvin said. “Anytime you leave your feet it’s not an easy play, but he made it look easy. He timed it so well.”

Laureano said the familiarity with the Angel...

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