LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- It took him nearly three months but Ervin Santana got back in the win column Monday, tossing six-plus scoreless innings in a 9-5 LA Angels victory over Oakland.
Jeff Mathis punched a two-run homer, and Gary Matthews Jr. and Garret Anderson hit solo blasts to power the Angels' offense.
Santana (6-12), who endured a demotion to the minors, had lost his last six decisions spanning nine major league starts dating back to June 9. This time, though, he scattered just two hits and walked five while striking out four for the AL-West leading Angels, who snapped a two-game slide.
Chad Gaudin (10-10) was tagged for seven runs -- six earned -- over five innings for Oakland, which had won three of four coming in. Mike Piazza hit career home run No. 426, moving him into a tie with Billy Williams for 39th on the all-time list.
