--- title: "Heim's pinch-hit homer caps massive A's comeback" description: "Down 11-4 in the ninth, Oakland rallied to stun the Angels 12-11 in 10 innings." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/heim-s-pinch-hit-hr-in-9th-helps-a-s-complete-huge-comeback-a42ab941 published: 2026-06-20T08:35:46.686+00:00 updated: 2026-06-20T08:35:46.686+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Heim's pinch-hit homer caps massive A's comeback > Down 11-4 in the ninth, Oakland rallied to stun the Angels 12-11 in 10 innings. Pinch-hitter Jonah Heim crushed a two-out, two-strike solo home run in the ninth inning to tie the game, completing the Oakland Athletics' stunning seven-run comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 12-11 in 10 innings at Angel Stadium. The Athletics had jumped to an early lead, then watched the Angels score 11 straight runs to build an 11-4 advantage. After Los Angeles starter Griffin Canning was pulled, the Angels' bullpen unraveled. Oakland erupted for eight runs over the final two innings, including seven in the ninth. Heim's pinch-hit homer came on a 1-2 count with two outs, a perfect snapshot of desperation turned triumph. In the 10th inning, the A's loaded the bases and scored the winning run on an Angels fielding error and a subsequent sacrifice fly. Rallying from a seven-run deficit in the ninth inning is historically rare. According to data, teams trailing by seven or more in the ninth own a win probability below 1%. The A's executed a sequence of hits, walks, and aggressive baserunning to force extra innings, then capitalized on the Angels' defensive miscue. Heim, who entered with only 14 plate appearances as a pinch-hitter this season, swung at a 1-2 fastball and drove it over the fence, the hardest-hit ball of his career by exit velocity. Heim's pinch-hit home run was only his third extra-base hit in 15 pinch-hit plate appearances this season, and his first career pinch-hit homer. The blast was the hardest-hit ball of his career, according to Statcast. For a team that entered the night with the American League's lowest home run total, his power display was a shock to the Angels' bullpen. The implosion continues a troubling trend for the Angels' bullpen, which entered the game with a 4.67 ERA, among the worst in the American League. Relievers José Suarez, Austin Warren, and José Quijada combined to allow Oakland's eight-run burst, failing to protect what had been a comfortable lead. Manager Phil Nevin's handling of the pitching staff will face scrutiny, especially the decision to go to Suarez after Canning's efficient six innings. Crucially, the A's bullpen held the Angels scoreless from the seventh inning onward, a feat that allowed the offense to stage its dramatic rally. Without that shutdown work, the 11-4 deficit would have been insurmountable. The comeback showcased Oakland's relentless approach at the plate, while the Angels' relief corps suffered another high-profile meltdown. Heim, who entered the game as a substitute, delivered the most critical swing of the night, electrifying the A's dugout and shell-shocking the home crowd. The win was one of the most improbable of the season, turning a lopsided defeat into an unforgettable victory. What's next: The Athletics continue their road trip with renewed momentum, while the Angels must address a bullpen that has blown multiple leads this season. This game will be remembered as one of the wildest of the MLB season, a testament to the unpredictability of baseball and the value of fighting until the final out. ## Why this matters This improbable seven-run comeback, capped by a two-strike pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth, is one of the most dramatic wins of the MLB season. It highlights the Athletics' relentless resilience and exposes the Angels' bullpen fragility in a critical divisional matchup. Such games often become turning points for teams striving to stay competitive. ## Frequently asked ### What was the final score of the game? The Oakland Athletics defeated the Los Angeles Angels 12-11 in 10 innings at Angel Stadium. ### How did the Athletics erase a seven-run deficit? The A's scored eight runs over the final two innings, including seven in the ninth. Jonah Heim's pinch-hit solo homer with two strikes and two outs tied the game at 11. In the tenth, a fielding error and a sacrifice fly scored the winning run. ### Who hit the game-tying home run? Pinch-hitter Jonah Heim crushed a two-out, two-strike solo homer in the ninth inning to knot the game at 11. ### What went wrong for the Angels? After starter Griffin Canning was pulled, the Angels' bullpen allowed eight runs over the final two innings, wasting an 11-4 lead. The bullpen's collapse has been a recurring issue for Los Angeles. ## Sources & Citations - [Heim's pinch-hit HR in 9th helps A's complete huge comeback for 12-11 win over Angels in 10 innings](http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401815822) — ESPN (2026-06-20) --- Cite: Heim's pinch-hit homer caps massive A's comeback. Sportopod, 2026-06-20. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/heim-s-pinch-hit-hr-in-9th-helps-a-s-complete-huge-comeback-a42ab941