ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – 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.