Gallagher shines in debut as A's crush Angels

(Reuters) - New arrival Sean Gallagher impressed in his Oakland debut, helping the Athletics knock off divisional foe Los Angeles Angels 9-2 on Friday.

The 22-year-old pitcher joined Oakland earlier this week as part of a trade with the Chicago Cubs that sent A's pitcher Rich Harden to the National League.

The right-hander had an instant impact, allowing just two runs on two hits and striking out seven in seven innings of work.

Oakland (51-42) provided Gallagher with some early run support, hammering Los Angeles starter Jon Garland (8-6) for seven runs in less than three innings.

"It seemed like they knew every pitch that was coming," Garland told reporters. "I got ahead of guys and couldn't put them away. I fell behind guys and started nitpicking."

Matt Murton, another newcomer from the Cubs trade, had a two-RBI single that highlighted a six-run third inning for the Athletics.

"Both of the guys we got in the trade made such a good first impression," said Oakland manager Bob Geren.

Third baseman Jack Hannahan added a two-run home run in the fourth to cap the scoring. Hannahan went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while right-fielder Emil Brown added three more hits.

The Angels gave up 15 Oakland hits, one night after surrendering 20 to the Texas Rangers. The 35 combined hits were the most allowed by Los Angeles in back-to-back games this season.

Victory helped the A's pull to within four games of the first-place Angels (55-38) in the American League West division, with two games remaining in their three-game series.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner)