Oakland, CA (Sports Network) – Erick Aybar’s leadoff homer in the 10th proved to be the difference, and the Angels defeated the A’s, 6-5, despite squandering three different leads in the opener of a three-game set.
Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu each added a two-run homer for the Angels, who snapped a four-game losing streak. Hideki Matsui added a sacrifice fly in the victory.
Joel Pineiro was in line for the win after allowing three runs in seven solid innings, but had his six-start win streak snapped after Fernando Rodney gave up two runs in the eighth. Kevin Jepsen (1-1) received the win, and Brian Fuentes recorded his 16th save.
Jack Cust hit a solo home run for the Athletics, who have lost four in a row. Kevin Kouzmanoff finished with two hits and and Coco Crisp had an RBI in defeat.
Vin Mazzaro yielded three runs, four hits and three walks in a seven-inning start for Oakland, and Andrew Bailey (0-3) was saddled with the loss after giving up the game-winning homer