Cron’s home runs power Angels past Athletics

ANAHEIM — C.J. Cron hit two homers, including a threerun drive in the first inning, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Oakland Athletics 8-2 on Tuesday night.

Martin Maldonado also homered and Ben Revere had two RBIs for the Angels, who have won three of four. They are one game behind Minnesota for the second AL wild card.

Cameron Maybin started the first inning with a double and scored on Revere’s single. Andrelton Simmons added a sacrifice fly.

Cron’s 11th homer landed in the Angels’ bullpen in left field, and the early 5-0 advantage led to A’s relievers getting loose nearby. Cron added a long solo shot to center in the eighth for his eighth career multihomer game.

Oakland got home runs from Matt Joyce and Matt Olson in the second to make it 5-2.

Umpires used video review

to examine Olson’s 10th homer of the year after Angels manager Mike Scioscia came onto the field for a conversation, and replay confirmed the ball hit the yellow line over the advertising in right field.

Angels starter Troy Scribner lasted only 2 2/3 innings in his fourth major league start, giving up two runs and four hits.

Scribner was pulled after loading the bases, and Jose Alvarez got the Angels out of the jam by getting Joyce to pop up.

Jesse Chavez (7-10) struck out five and gave up one hit in four scoreless innings of long relief.

A’s starter Chris Smith (0-4) didn’t fare much better than Scribner. Smith went 3 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs — six earned — on five hits and two walks.