Soriano Shuts Down Braves as Neto, Schanuel Homer in Angels' 5-1 Win

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

Zach Neto had three hits, including a homer, Nolan Schanuel added a two-run blast and José Soriano allowed only three hits in seven scoreless innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-1 victory over the weak-hitting Atlanta Braves on Thursday night.

The Braves avoided a shutout on Jurickson Profar's ninth-inning homer off left-hander Brock Burke. It was Profar's second homer in two games since returning from an 80-game PED suspension.

Soriano (6-5) had seven strikeouts and did not allow a baserunner to reach second base. Neto scored three runs.

Bryce Elder (2-6) gave up four runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings. Elder's third consecutive loss is a disturbing trend for a team that placed right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach on the 15-day injured list with a fractured right elbow on Wednesday.

The rotation previously lost Chris Sale (broken rib), AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery) and Reynaldo López (shoulder surgery) to injuries. Manager Brian Snitker said he may use a bullpen game Saturday in the second game of a series against Baltimore.

Key moment

After allowing 10 runs, nine earned, and three homers in only two innings in a 13-0 loss to Philadelphia on Friday night, Elder gave up two more homers. Schanuel's two-run shot in the second drove in Neto, who doubled.

Key stats

Matt Olson's first-inning single to right field extended his streak of reaching base to 33 games, the majors' longest active streak. Jo Adell's first-inning single extended his hitting streak to 14 games, the Angels' longest this season.

Up next

The Angels open a series at Toronto on Friday night when RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 4.66 ERA) faces Blue Jays LHP Eric Lauer (4-1, 2.60).

Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (3-6, 3.86) will face former Atlanta right-hander Charlie Morton (4-7, 5.63) in the home series opener against the Orioles.

In summary

The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-1 on July 3, 2025. Angels pitcher José Soriano earned the win with seven scoreless innings. Key offensive contributions for the Angels came from Zach Neto, who had three hits including a homer, and Nolan Schanuel, who hit a two-run home run. The Braves avoided a shutout with a ninth-inning homer from Jurickson Profar. Braves starter Bryce Elder took the loss, giving up four runs. The Braves continue to face challenges with their pitching rotation due to injuries. The Angels next play at Toronto, while the Braves host Baltimore.

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