The Los Angeles Angels wrap up a late-season road date on Tuesday, September 22, traveling to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento to take on the Athletics at 9:40 PM ET. Yusei Kikuchi gets the ball for Los Angeles against Athletics left-hander Brady Basso. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight for both clubs as they look to finish strong. You can catch the action on ABTV presented by Pechanga Resort Casino or listen on KLAA 830.
Angels vs. Athletics Game Preview: September 22, 2026
Sutter Health Park has been the Athletics' temporary home as the organization continues its transition, and the venue creates a unique road environment for visiting clubs. The Angels have made the short California trip to face an A's squad that, like Los Angeles, is grinding through the final stretch of a long regular season. Neither team has time to treat this one as a tune-up.
Starting Pitchers: Kikuchi vs. Basso
Yusei Kikuchi draws the assignment for the Halos. The veteran left-hander brings experience and a deep pitch arsenal to the mound, and his ability to generate swings and misses with his fastball-changeup combination will be central to how this game unfolds. Kikuchi eating innings and limiting traffic early gives the Angels bullpen the rest it needs down the stretch.
Brady Basso gets the nod for the home side. Basso is a name to watch — a younger arm working to establish himself at the major league level. The Angels' lineup will need to be disciplined early, identify his tendencies, and force him to work deep counts rather than letting him get comfortable with quick innings.
Keys to Watch for the Angels
- Kikuchi's command: If Kikuchi is sharp with his secondary offerings and keeps the A's lineup off-balance, this is a winnable outing. Walks and elevated pitch counts early would be the main concern.
- Plate discipline against Basso: Against a pitcher without a deep major league track record, the Angels' best approach is patience. Work counts, make him throw strikes, and attack when he falls behind in the count.
- Bullpen management: Late September means managing arms carefully. How the Angels' coaching staff handles the back half of this game — especially if the score is tight through six — could decide the outcome.
- Run support: Kikuchi can only do so much. The Angels' offense needs to build on any early opportunities and avoid letting Basso settle in through the middle innings.
Prediction
This is a manageable matchup on paper for the Angels. Kikuchi is the most experienced arm on the field Tuesday night, and facing a younger Athletics starter on the road — even in Sacramento — is an opportunity Los Angeles should capitalize on. The A's will battle at home, but give the edge to the Halos if Kikuchi can deliver six solid innings. Angels 5, Athletics 3.
