Scott Kazmir threw five scoreless innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to a 4-2 win over the Oakland Athletics at the Coliseum. Angel Robb Quinlan went 2-of-4 with three runs batted in the middle game of the three-game series. Kazmir (10-9) gave up three hits, fanned three and walked one to take the win for the AL West champions, who have won six of seven.

Mike Napoli drove in a pair of runs Tuesday and the Los Angeles Angels beat Texas 5-2 to eliminate the Rangers from playoff contention. Napoli connected for a two-run bases-loaded single in the fourth inning to give the Angels a 4-1 lead. Bobby Abreu had a solo home run of the Angels, who have won three consecutive games. Sean O'Sullivan (4-2) was credited with the win in a spot start in place of Scott Kazmir.

Scott Kazmir and three relievers combined to throw a shutout Friday that brought the Los Angeles Angels a 2-0 victory over the slumping Texas Rangers. Texas lost its fifth straight game and has been blanked in four of them. Los Angeles moved 7 1/2 games in front of the fading Rangers in the battle for the American League West title. Kazmir (9-8) allowed six hits and struck out five without a walk in six innings.

Felix Hernandez and David Aardsma combined to throw a four-hitter Wednesday and carry Seattle to a 3-0 blanking of the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels, who began the night with a 4 1/2-game lead in the American League West, lost for the ninth time in 14 games.

Young Tampa Bay pitcher Scott Kazmir has been shipped to the Los Angeles Angels for fellow southpaw Alex Torres and two others. The Rays also got third baseman Matt Sweeney and a player to be named later in the deal made late Friday. It appears to be a red flag from the Rays on their chances to qualify