Making his first American League start since being traded to Oakland from Chicago, right-hander Sean Gallagher allowed just two hits over seven innings Friday and outfielder Matt Murton, also part of that trade and in his A's debut, had a key two-run single during a six-run second inning to lead a 9-2 thrashing over the Angels.

Oakland rocked Jon Garland for seven runs on 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings, his shortest outing since August 19 last season. It came on the heels of John Lackey's franchise-tying 15 hits allowed a night earlier, meaning that in the past two games Angels' starters have allowed 25 hits in 45 at-bats, a .556 clip.

Though upset with his performance, calling it "an overall bad game" Garland was also ticked at home plate umpire Chris Guccione and when he was pulled, stopped a moment to talk to him.

"I was a little upset, he was telling me to hurry up and he was letting every guy take their time in the box," Garland said. "He was ripping his mask off and yelling at me and saying nothing to the hitters. I just let it be known. We had our quibble and moved on."

Garland, who had allowed eight runs in his previous four starts, continued his misery against Oakland, which cut the Angels' lead to four games in the American League West. Garland, now 4-11 with a 5.22 ERA lifetime vs. Oakland, is 1-3 with a 7.48 ERA in four starts against them this season.

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