Branyan Almost Ties It, But Angels Comeback Falls Short, 4-3

Newly signed Russell Branyan's first swing as an Angel almost got the Angels even, but his 2-out fly ball came a few feet short of clearing the centerfield fence and landed for an out in Coco Crisp's glove.  Mark Trumbo brought the Angels to within a run of tying the game with his 8th home run of the season.  The 3-run blast off A's reliever Grant Balfour were the first runs scored by the Angels in the game as they were held to 3 hits over 8 innings by starter Brett Anderson (3-4).

Angels' starter Joel Pineiro (2-1), making his 6th start of the season, gave up a season-high 11 hits in 6.1 innings.  Pineiro also allowed a season-high 4 runs while striking out 2 and walking none.

Oakland scored a run in the second when Hideki Matsui singled to lead-off the inning and scored 3 batters later when Andy LaRoche drove him in with a groundout to third.  The A's added 3 more in the 4th when LaRoche doubled in Josh Willingham and Mark Ellis, and Chad Pennington singled in LaRoche.

The Angels wasted a chance to get back into the game when Reggie Willits walked with one out and went to third on Macier Izturis' 15th double of the season.  However, both runners were stranded when Erick Aybar flied out to shallow left and Bobby Abreu grounded out to end the threat.

It wasn't until Anderson had left the game that the Angels were able to put runs on the board.  Aybar got the 9th inning started when he singled to right.  Both Abreu and Torii Hunter struck out and the game appeared all but over.  Following an Alberto Callaspo walk, Trumbo launched a high Balfour fastball into the bullpen in left field, drawing the Angels to within one.  Russell Branyan, who had just signed with the Angels Thursday morning after being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, pinch-hit for Peter Bourjos.  Branyan hit the first pitch he saw and belted a drive to deep center that fell just short of tying the game.

The Angels and A's split their 4-game series, while the Angels went 4-3 on their home stand.  The loss also drops the Angels to a game behind division leading Texas who were idle today.

Angels Sign Russell Branyan; Place Kendrick On DL

The Angels added first baseman Russell Branyan to the team Thursday morning. Branyan, 35, had been designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks last Saturday and was officially released Thursday morning.  Branyan had sign a minor league contract with Arizona last February.

Branyan was hitting hitting .210 (13-for-62) with 2 RBI and one home run in 31 games with Arizona.  The left-handed-hitting first baseman can also play third base and the outfield.  Known for his big-time power and big-time strikeout totals, Branyan will be in uniform for Thursday's Angel-A's game.

To make room for Branyan, the Angels placed Howie Kendrick on the DL with a strained right hamstring.

Angels Vs. A's Starting Lineup: Howie Kendrick (Right Hamstring) Sits For Seventh Straight Game

The Angels have won four of their last six games, and look to win their four-game series against the Oakland Athletics with a win Thursday afternoon in Anaheim. Joel Pineiro starts for the Angels, while Brett Anderson gets the start for Oakland. It is the final game of the homestand for the Angels.

Howie Kendrick is out of the lineup for the seventh straight day with right hamstring tightness. Kendrick has begun running and agility drills, and isn't expected to land on the disabled list. Here are today's starting lineups:

A's (23-27)

Coco Crisp CF
David DeJesus RF
Conor Jackson 1B
Josh Willingham LF
Hideki Matsui DH
Kurt Suzuki C
Mark Ellis 2B
Andy LaRoche 3B
Cliff Pennington SS

Angels (26-25)

Maicer Izturis 2B
Willy Aybar SS
Bobby Abreu DH
Torii Hunter RF
Alberto Callaspo 3B
Mark Trumbo 1B
Peter Bourjos CF
Jeff Mathis C
Reggie Willits LF

Today's 12:35 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, or on today's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.

Angels Close Out Homestand With Afternoon Affair Against Oakland

The Angels look to capture their four-game home series with the Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon, closing out a seven-game homestand. Joel Pineiro gets the start for the Angels, facing Brett Anderson for Oakland. The Angels are 13-12 at home this season.

The Angels have won four of their last six games, including a pair of 4-1 wins over the A's on Monday and Wednesday. Pineiro is making his sixth start of the season, and is 2-0 with a 2.67 ERA so far this season. All four teams in the AL West are 1-4 in the American League in starting pitching ERA. The Angels are third at 3.26, while Oakland is tops with a 2.62 ERA from their starters.

Anderson is 2-4 with a 3.18 ERA this season for Oakland. He gave up three runs to the Angels in 6 2/3 innings in Oakland on May 16. Anderson got a no-decision in that contest.

Torii Hunter is hitting .409 during this homestand, with two home runs and eight RBI in six games. The Angels are 4-4 against Oakland this season. Angels' first baseman Kendrys Morales, who is out for the season, will undergo a second surgery Thursday on his left ankle in Vail, Colorado.

Today's 12:35 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, or on today's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.