New A’s closer Grant Balfour made it interesting in the 9th, but Oakland survived an Angels’ rally for a 4-3 win in Anaheim, Calif.

With the A's leading 4-0, Balfour, who replaced Brian Fuentes as Oakland's closer this week, gave up a three-run homer to Mark Trumbo with two outs in the ninth before retiring Russell Branyan to end the game.

Oakland starter Brett Anderson (3-4) retired 12 of the first 13 batters he faced and picked up his first career win in four starts against Los Angeles. Anderson struck out four, while scattering three hits to help the Athletics to just their second win in their last nine games. It was Anderson's first win since April 24.

Oakland's offense helped with a three-run fourth inning against Los Angeles starter Joel Pineiro. Andy LaRoche, who started at third base in place of Kevin Kouzmanoff, hit a two-run double to punctuate the A's big inning.

Pineiro (2-1) yielded four runs on 11 hits in 6 1/3 innings.