Ward hits two-run homer to back Canning and help Angels beat Athletics 5-1

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer, Griffin Canning pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Oakland Athletics 5-1 on Monday night.

Ward gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with his drive to right field in the first inning and he had a ninth-inning leaping catch at the wall for the second consecutive game. He did the same at Dodger Stadium on Saturday.

Zach Neto, Luis Rengifo and Willie Calhoun each had a pair of hits and Neto scored twice.

The Angels, 25th in the majors with their 4.03 runs per game, got more than enough Monday thanks to Canning's strong outing.

Canning (3-8) gave up one earned run and struck out five. He allowed just five hits, including Tyler Nevin's first-pitch home run in the second inning.

The A’s have lost three straight games and four of the last five. The Angels had lost three of four. In the two-run third, Logan O’Hoppe drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and Ward scored on an error.

Luis Medina, who made his major league debut for Oakland in Anaheim a year ago, was chased after three innings. Medina (1-3) gave up four runs, three earned, and struck out four.

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh took in Angels batting practice and chatted with Ron Washington and players.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Athletics: RHP Ross Stripling (strain, throwing elbow) and RHP Patrick Blackburn (stress reaction in right foot) are each on the road trip and expected to throw bullpen sessions in Anaheim. Angels: LHP Patrick Sandoval (elbow) has a torn flexor and UCL and will have season-ending surgery soon.

UP NEXT

Athletics: RHP Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.86 ERA) is 0-1 with a 4.38 ERA over his last four starts after he went 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA through his first three starts. Angels: LHP Tyler Anderson (6-7, 2.48 ERA) is ranked fifth in the AL with a 2.08 ERA.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb