Anaheim, CA (Best E Casino) - Dallas Braden shut down the powerful Angels lineup, leading the Athletics to a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles in the opener of a three game series at Angel Stadium.

Braden (4-3) had his best start of the year, throwing seven innings and giving up one run and seven hits to earn the win. Brad Ziegler threw a scoreless ninth to record his fifth save of the season.

"I felt good, I tried to pitch deep into the game," Braden said. "They're an aggresive team. I was happy that I attacked the strike zone, and we haven't missed a beat on defense."

Daric Barton homered and Frank Thomas scored the other run for the Athletics, winners of three out of five.

"We've had battles in the minors. It was a fastball down the middle," Barton said. "It's fun facing him. My confidence is up, and my swing is getting better."

Jered Weaver (10-10) was saddled with the loss despite an excellent start. The righty allowed two runs on only three hits and two walks in seven innings, fanning eight in defeat.

Chone Figgins was the lone player in the game with two hits, and Mike Napoli added a home run to account for the only run for the Angels, who have lost six of nine.

Barton gave the Athletics a 1-0 lead in the third with his seventh home run of the season, a solo shot.

Oakland added to its lead in the fourth. Thomas worked a one-out walk and Jack Hannahan doubled him over to third two batters later. Weaver then threw a wild pitch, allowing Thomas to score for a 2-0 advantage.

Napoli brought the Angels within one on his 14th homer of the year in the sixth.

Los Angeles was unable to comeback, however, as the team had one man reach base after Napoli's homer.

Game Notes

The Angels lead the season series 8-6...Oakland has not won back-to-back games since July 10-11..Ziegler lowered his earned run average to 0.40 with the scoreless inning.