OAKLAND -- There weren't many moments for Angels fans to cheer for on Saturday afternoon. 

Following a sleepy 2-1 loss to the last-place A’s at Oakland Coliseum, Los Angeles started off September with a couple of deflating defeats. 

At least Kyren Paris’ family had something to celebrate, as the Bay Area native notched his first career hit in the fifth inning, less than 24 hours after making his MLB debut. Paris worked out of a 1-2 hole against A’s righty Paul Blackburn to work a full count before depositing one into shallow right field over the outstretched glove of second baseman Zack Gelof.

“It was a special moment; one that I've dreamed of,” Paris said. “And for it to come true -- it's special.”

Paris had a feeling it would drop, but his family had to see the ball drop before celebrating in their seats behind the Angels' dugout. A moment later, Paris showcased his speed by stealing second to record the first stolen base of his MLB career.

Blackburn also got a kick facing Paris, as the A’s veteran righty grew up in nearby Brentwood, which shares a border with Paris’ hometown of Oakley. Both towns are about 50 miles east of the Coliseum.

On Friday night, Blackburn was driving home early to rest up for Saturday’s start and tuned in to the A’s-Angels game on the radio, when he found out that Paris was from the next town over.

“I’m hoping I grab him [Sunday] and just tell him congrats,” Blackburn said. “It’s kind of funny [that] I gave up his first hit to him. It is what it is. But I’m looking to hopefully grab him [Sunday] and just say congrats and introduce myself to him. … That is cool. Those are small towns. This area around here is a big area. But him growing up about five miles from where I was, that’s cool to see.”

That was the biggest highlight of the day for the Angels, who pushed across their only run in the first inning when leadoff man Nolan Schanuel came home to score on a Luis Rengifo sacrifice fly. All six of the team’s hits were singles, and the squad went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

The Angels made things interesting in the top of the ninth, as Michael Stefanic reached third with two outs. But the A’s intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani for the second time -- much to the chagrin of the fans in attendance -- before Brandon Drury flied out to end the game.

The slow day from the lineup spoiled the second consecutive strong start from right-hander Griffin Canning, who elevated a changeup to Brent Rooker that resulted in a two-run bomb for the A’s All-Star in the fourth inning. Canning also allowed a hard single to Ryan Noda and a couple of loud outs in the frame -- as three balls were hit harder than 100 mph.

“Just overpitching,” Canning said. “Just overthinking what I needed to throw.”

The result wasn’t desired, but Canning was happy to eclipse 100 innings thrown for the first time in his career, as a fractured back kept him sidelined for the entire 2022 season and half of the 2021 campaign.

“It’s pretty cool to come back after a year and a half and throw over 100 innings,” Canning said. “Still got a couple of more starts. Wanna finish strong.”

Los Angeles has dropped 21 of 29 contests since Aug. 1, but manager Phil Nevin is looking at September as a valuable evaluation period for their young players. 

“That’s what this is all about,” Nevin said. “We have some players up here getting some opportunities and being able to evaluate at this level for this length of a time, is not only great for us, but it’s valuable for them to get these at-bats and see these pitches and get these innings to see where they stand. Where we’re going with our future and the young core of players we have, we really like.”

Schanuel, the organization’s top prospect, has reached base in 12 straight games to begin his career. Paris, who is currently ranked the No. 5 Angels prospect by MLB.com, showed off the speed that has enabled him to steal 44 bases in 49 attempts for Double-A Rocket City this season. Paris is hoping that he can make the most of this audition, as fellow shortstop prospect Zach Neto could return sometime next week.

“Just showing that I'm capable of playing here and making an impact, that's my goal,” Paris said. “And helping the team win.”

The result wasn’t desired, but Canning was happy to eclipse 100 innings in a season for the first time in his career, as a fractured back kept him sidelined for the entire 2022 season and half of the '21 campaign.

“It’s pretty cool to come back after a year and a half and throw over 100 innings,” Canning said. “Still got a couple more starts. Want to finish strong.”

Los Angeles is going through it at the moment, dropping 21 of 29 contests since Aug. 1, but manager Phil Nevin is looking at September as a valuable evaluation period for the club's young players.

“That’s what this is all about,” Nevin said. “We have some players up here getting some opportunities, and being able to evaluate at this level for this length of a time is not only great for us, but it’s valuable for them to get these at-bats and see these pitches and get these innings to see where they stand.

"Where we’re going with our future and the young core of players we have, we really like.”

Schanuel, the organization’s top prospect per MLB Pipeline, has reached base in 12 consecutive games to begin his career. Paris, the Angels' No. 5 prospect, showed off the speed that enabled him to steal 44 bases in 49 attempts for Double-A Rocket City this season. Paris is hoping that he can make the most of this audition, as fellow shortstop prospect Zach Neto could return sometime next week.

“Just showing that I'm capable of playing here and making an impact, that's my goal,” Paris said. “And helping the team win.”