OAKLAND, Calif., July 16 (UPI) -- Josh Willingham hit a two-run homer Friday and reliever Brad Ziegler turned in a clutch performance to lead Oakland to a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Oakland won for the first time in five games and ended the Angels' winning streak at four.
Willingham's homer came during a three-run fourth and the Athletics took a 4-1 lead into the sixth.
Starter Brandon McCarthy opened the sixth but Los Angeles loaded the bases in that inning with one away and McCarthy was replaced by Michael Wuertz. Wuertz gave up a walk to Maicer Izturis to force in a run and Joey Devine relieved Wuertz.
Devine, however, quickly complained of apparent back stiffness and Ziegler had to replace him.
Mike Trout singled in the second run of the inning, cutting the Oakland lead to 4-3. Ziegler got Erick Aybar to ground into a double play to end the inning and keep the Athletics in front.
Oakland eventually used eight pitchers, with Andrew Bailey working a perfect ninth for his ninth save.
McCarthy (2-5) got the win, allowing two earned runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Dan Haren (11-6) gave up four runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings to take the loss.
