Inconsistent offense continues to stall Angels

OAKLAND -- A day removed from an eight-run seventh inning, the Angels struggled to convert scoring opportunities in a 4-1 loss to the A's at the Coliseum on Saturday.

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The Angels finished 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base, stranding runners on second and third in both the second and third innings.

Sitting at 8-10 in June, they have been unable to gain significant ground on the Astros and seize control of a division many expect them to win. Following an improbable victory Friday, the Angels couldn't back that up.

"Just when you think you're going to kick out of it, the next day it's hit-or-miss again," Angels starter Jered Weaver said of the team's struggles. "It's obviously frustrating."

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In the second inning, Johnny Giavotella singled and Matt Joyce walked with two outs. A passed ball moved them up a base, but Kyle Kubitza couldn't bring either home.

Then in the third, again with two outs, Kole Calhoun singled and Mike Trout walked. The two advanced a base on a wild pitch, but Albert Pujols flied to center to kill the threat.

In the sixth, with a run in, Giavotella grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Angels currently sit one game above .500 at 35-34. When they won five in a row in late May, they followed the streak up by losing five straight.

They've had some decent streaks, but have been unable to win consistently. That script stayed true Saturday.

"After a night like last night, coming back from that win and being down, you're never giving up," Trout said. "A day like today was a tough one, but you've got to turn the page and try to win the series."