MLB: Baltimore 6, Los Angeles Angels 4

ANAHEIM, Calif., July 4 (UPI) -- Aubrey Huff helped stake Baltimore to an early lead with a three-run homer Friday and the Orioles held off the Los Angeles Angels 6-4.

The Angels lost for the third time in four games and slipped back into a tie for first place with Texas in the American League West.

Luke Scott delivered a two-run double in the first and Huff blasted his homer in the third to give the Orioles a 5-0 advantage.

An RBI single by Nick Markakis in the fourth increased the lead to 6-0 and the Orioles spent the rest of the game holding on against the potent Los Angeles lineup.

Kendry Morales hit a two-run homer for the Angels in the sixth to make it 6-3 and Los Angeles added a run in the eighth when Vladimir Guerrero's ground out brought in Torii Hunter from third.

George Sherrill came on in the ninth to protect the two-run cushion and gave up a leadoff single to Maicer Izturis. After Jeff Mathis struck out, Mike Napoli grounded into a double play to end the game.

David Hernandez (2-2) got the win, allowing three runs on six hits in 6 2/3. Sherrill recorded his 18th save.

Ervin Santana (1-4) took the loss, surrendering four earned runs on eight hits in five innings.