OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Ray Durham's three-run homer capped off a six-run outburst in the fourth inning Wednesday night, rallying the Oakland Athletics to a 7-4 win over the Anaheim Angels that left the teams tied at the top in the American League West.
Oakland's Barry Zito became the first 22-game winner in the AL, although he lasted only 5 1/3 innings and found himself trailing going into the bottom of the fourth, 4-1.
But Oakland produced three home runs in its half of the fourth to take the lead. With one game remaining in their four-game series and 10 games left in the season, the A's and Angels are deadlocked at 95-57. They are a half game behind the New York Yankees in the race for the league's best record.
Anaheim starter Mickey Calloway (1-1) took a three-run lead into the fourth, but gave up back-to-back, one-out home runs to Eric Chavez and Jermaine Dye. Calloway then walked John Maybry and hit Mark Ellis with a pitch, resulting in Dennis Cook being called in from the bullpen.
Cook struck out Greg Myers, but Durham blasted his 15th homer of the season to give the A's a 7-4 lead.
Zito (22-5) gave up seven hits and four runs in his 5 1/3 innings, after which Chad Bradford and Billy Koch combined for 3 2/3 innings of shutout relief.
Prior to their six-run inning, the Athletics had produced one run on a homer by Ellis.
