Athletics Lead Series Against Angels As Gov Katie Hobbs Signs Arizona’s 2027 Budget

The Oakland Athletics lead the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 in a four-game series, with Game 4 scheduled for Tuesday evening at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, according to a report from the Daily Independent. The Athletics, who entered the series with a 38-42 record, have secured two of the first three games, extending their lead in the American League West division. The Angels, currently tied with the Texas Rangers for second place in the division, have yet to clinch a playoff berth but remain within striking distance of the top two teams.

Game 3 on Monday saw the Athletics secure a 5-3 victory, with starting pitcher Sean Manaea recording six strikeouts and holding the Angels to three earned runs. The Angels’ offense, which ranks 12th in the league with a 4.12 team batting average, struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, stranding 10 runners across the game. Manager Joe Maddon acknowledged the challenge of facing Manaea, stating, “He’s been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league this year. We need to adjust our approach if we want to take this series.”

The series has drawn attention as both teams compete for playoff positioning. The Athletics, who have not made the postseason since 2014, are in a tight race with the Seattle Mariners for the final wild-card spot. The Angels, meanwhile, are vying to avoid their first last-place finish in the division since 2011. A win in Game 4 would give the Athletics a 3-1 series advantage, putting them in a strong position to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Separately, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the legislative process. The budget, which allocates $11.2 billion in state spending, includes increased funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. Hobbs, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of balancing the budget while addressing “critical needs” in the state. “This budget reflects our commitment to investing in Arizona’s future while ensuring fiscal responsibility,” she said in a statement.

The budget’s passage followed months of negotiations between the governor’s office and the Arizona Legislature, which includes a Democratic majority in the House and a Republican majority in the Senate. Key provisions include a $500 million increase for K-12 education, $300 million for mental health services, and $200 million for water infrastructure. Critics, including some Republican lawmakers, argued the budget raises taxes on businesses and individuals, though the governor’s office maintained that the plan avoids new tax hikes.

State Senator James Luy, a Republican, expressed concerns about the budget’s long-term implications. “While there are some positive elements, the overall approach risks creating a fiscal burden for future generations,” he said in a press conference. However, Democratic leaders praised the budget as a “bold step forward” for Arizona’s economy and public services.

The Athletics’ series against the Angels is set to conclude on Tuesday, with Game 4 featuring a matchup between Oakland’s left-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn and Los Angeles’ right-handed starter Andrew Heaney. The winner of the series will face the Houston Astros in the American League Wild Card Series, beginning on October 10. For the Angels, a loss would likely eliminate them from playoff contention, as they currently trail the Mariners by 2.5 games in the race for the second wild-card spot.