A's fall 4-3 to Angels in 10 innings (w/video)

The Oakland loss Thursday came under protest over a ninth-inning obstruction call.|

ANAHEIM - Howie Kendrick drove in Albert Pujols with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the Los Angeles Angels opened a two-game lead atop the major league standings with a 4-3 victory Thursday night over the Oakland Athletics, who finished the game under protest over a ninth-inning obstruction call.

Josh Hamilton had a 10th-inning single as the Angels won the opener in a four-game series between the AL West clubs who hold the majors’ two best records.

Pujols drew a leadoff walk from Ryan Cook (1-2) in the 10th, and Hamilton moved him to third with a bouncing hit up the middle.

Kendrick’s long fly to right drove in the slow-footed Pujols, setting off a playoff-worthy celebration by the Angels, who have won 12 of 16.

Fernando Salas (5-0) pitched a perfect 10th for the Angels. He has retired 38 of his last 41 batters.

Oakland protested the game after Erick Aybar hit a short chopper up the first-base line to open the ninth. He ran into Dan Otero as the pitcher fielded it and bumped into first baseman Brandon Moss.

Home plate umpire Greg Gibson immediately awarded first base to Aybar, prompting a lengthy argument from A’s manager Bob Melvin. The Angels then loaded the bases with one out, but Kole Calhoun popped up and Mike Trout grounded to third against Cook.

Sonny Gray pitched seven innings of six-hit ball for Oakland, but left without a decision for the first time in 11 starts.

C.J. Wilson yielded seven hits and blew a three-run lead while pitching into the sixth inning for the Angels.

Gordon Beckham had an early two-run single for the Angels, but Oakland pulled within 3-2 in the fifth. Josh Donaldson led off the sixth with his 26th homer, but Angels reliever Mike Morin struck out pinch-hitter Stephen Vogt with the bases loaded to preserve the tie.

The A’s took two of three from the Angels at the Coliseum last week. The clubs also begin the final week of the regular season with a three-game series in Oakland.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Athletics: SS Jed Lowrie took live batting practice for the first time since breaking his right index finger.

Angels: Reliever Joe Thatcher’s sprained left ankle still isn’t ready for a rehab assignment.

UP NEXT

Athletics: Jon Lester (13-8, 2.53 ERA) held the Angels to five hits and a run over seven innings in a no-decision last weekend.

Angels: Jered Weaver (14-7, 3.72 ERA) looks to secure the fourth 15-win season of his career.

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