Angels 3, Dodgers 1
Russell Branyan made his first home run with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim a big one, blasting a go-ahead, two-run shot in the seventh inning to lift the Angels to a 3-1 win over the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night.
Branyan, who entered the game hitting just .171 in 19 games since signing with the Angels after Arizona released him, launched a pitch by Chad Billingsley (7-7) into right-center for his second home run of the season.
Ervin Santana (4-8) struck out eight and allowed one run over 7 2/3 innings to win for the first time since May 25 and lift the Angels into a tie with Texas for first place in the AL West.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia became the all-time leader in wins in interleague play, improving to 132-84 to surpass Joe Torre.
Rafael Furcal returned to the Dodgers' lineup for the first time since June 3 and went 1-for-4 in the No. 2 spot. James Loney had three of the Dodgers' six hits.
Billingsley allowed the three runs on three hits in eight innings. He struck out six and walked two.