ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Brandon Wood led off the ninth inning with a home run Friday, giving the Los Angeles Angels a 4-3 decision over Tampa Bay.
The Rays twice came from behind to tie the contest but took the loss to drop out of first place in the American League East. New York moved a half game in front of the Rays thanks to a three-run, ninth-inning homer by Alex Rodriguez that brought the Yankees a 4-3 triumph over Baltimore.
Wood's home run on a 1-0 pitch came off Dan Wheeler (2-4). It was Wood's fourth homer of the year and his first since June 27. The Angels have won six of their last eight.
Don Johnson hit a homer for the Rays in the second to forge a 1-1 tie but Los Angeles went back in front in the third on an RBI single by Bobby Abreu and a run-scoring double from Torii Hunter.
Carl Crawford drove in two runs with a triple in the sixth to again tie it.
Michael Kohn (1-0) made his 18th relief appearance since being called up from Class AAA in August and he picked up his first major league victory by escaping a jam in the eighth.
Kohn gave up a single and walked three batters in the inning but one Tampa Bay runner was thrown out trying to steal and the Rays left the bases loaded when Johnson struck out looking to end the inning.
Fernando Rodney put two runners on base in the ninth but he also got out of trouble and collected his 11th save.
