Angels walk away with an 8-1 victory over Athletics

KEY MOMENT: Four walks from Athletics starter Scott Kazmir — two of them with the bases loaded — helped the Angels to six second-inning runs. Erick Aybar extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a run-scoring single in that inning, and Mike Trout singled to drive in two more runs.

AT THE PLATE: Chris Iannetta had three hits, including his seventh home run of the season, and Trout set a career high with his 31st homer of the season. Trout also drove in three runs and leads the team with 97, matching his total from last season.

ON THE MOUND: Matt Shoemaker was brilliant, going seven scoreless innings for the third straight time. The last Angel to do that was Nolan Ryan. With his 14th win, Shoemaker, who allowed five hits and did not walk a batter, also matched the club’s rookie record. And by going 6-1 in August he became the second Angels pitcher to win six times in that month. Dean Chance also did that in 1962.

EXTRA BASES: Before Sunday’s game, the Angels activated infielder Grant Green from the disabled list. Green, who is hitting .313, missed 37 games with a lumbar strain. To create a roster spot for Green, the Angels optioned right-hander Cory Rasmus to triple-A Salt Lake. That move was purely clerical though, since Rasmus will be back with the team Monday when rosters are expanded. The Angels are also expected to call up a third catcher as well as a position player with speed — probably outfielder Tony Campana or shortstop Shawn O’Malley — to give them some pinch-running options.

PITCHING PLANS: Manager Mike Scioscia said left-hander Hector Santiago, whose spot in the rotation comes up Tuesday, is being pushed back to Thursday. Left-hander C.J. Wilson is scheduled to start the series opener in Houston with Jered Weaver to follow Wednesday.

UP NEXT: The Angels are off Monday. They open a 10-game, four-city trip Tuesday in Houston, beginning a streak that will see them play 23 games in as many days.