Neto, Angels hero: Walk-off and epic defensive play against Mariners

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Zach Neto had a memorable night, sealing the Angels’ victory in the tenth inning with a decisive hit. However, it was his astute defensive play in the top of the inning that truly made the difference, ensuring a crucial 3-2 win over the Mariners.

Neto’s Key Play

Reliever Ryan Zeferjahn of the Angels walked Cole Young to lead off the tenth inning, leaving runners on first and second with no outs for Seattle’s leadoff hitter, J.P. Crawford, who attempted a bunt that beat third baseman Kevin Newman. Neto, with impressive speed, launched himself to his right, staying a few steps ahead of the automatic runner Ben Williamson. He got the ball and, with a quick movement, threw it with his glove to Zeferjahn, who barely kept his foot on third base to force the out.

We knew he wanted to make the tag, and when I saw the ball go over Newman’s head, I just tried to make the play.
Zach Neto

Zeferjahn then got Julio Rodriguez, who had hit home runs in the first and sixth innings, to fly out and struck out the league’s home run leader, Cal Raleigh, with a 99 mph fastball to keep the score tied 2-2. Newman admitted to feeling helpless as he watched Crawford’s touch surpass his attempt.

It’s like the last scenario in your mind. You’re ready to charge and come, and then you see the ball go over your head… Thank God Neto is an athlete and Zef is an athlete, and they were able to make that play like that.
Kevin Newman

Zeferjahn, who improved to 6-3 with the victory, highlighted that the play completely changed the course of the inning.

I was struggling a bit, and that gave me a little confidence to go out and get the next two guys. That’s an incredible play by Zach. I think he won us the game.
Ryan Zeferjahn

In the bottom of the tenth, Logan O’Hoppe connected on a deep fly ball to center field that advanced Newman, the automatic runner, to third. LaMonte Wade Jr. received a walk, and Luis Rengifo hit into a fielder’s choice, with Newman being put out in an attempt to steal between third and home. But it was Neto, with the fans chanting his name, who connected a ground ball to the opposite field that passed by Young’s glove, who dove in second, and went into right field, sealing his night of recognition with a single that drove in the winning run.