MLB: LA Angels 6, Baltimore 5

BALTIMORE, July 25 (UPI) -- Home runs by Juan Rivera and Casey Kotchman gave Los Angeles an early lead Friday and the Angels held on to edge Baltimore 6-5.

Los Angeles built a 5-0 cushion through two innings and survived a late comeback bid to get a win in the opener of a 10-game road trip. The Angels, who are running away in the American League West this season, have the best road record in the majors at 32-18.

Torii Hunter doubled in two runs in the first, Rivera hit a solo homer in the second and Kotchman delivered a two-run shot later in the inning.

Joe Saunders (13-5) left after 6 2/3 innings, having allowed four runs on six hits. He picked up the win thanks to the 43rd save of the year for Francisco Rodriguez.

Baltimore threw a scare into Rodriguez and the Angels, however, when Kevin Millar hit a two-out homer in the ninth that brought the Orioles within one. Brandon Fahey followed with a double, but Rodriguez got Luke Scott to ground out to end the game.

Losing pitcher Brian Burres lasted only 1 2/3 innings.