Angels 2, Athletics 0: Cory Rasmus kicked off a dominant night for the relief corps and Erick Aybar drove in a run as Los Angeles increased its division lead over visiting Oakland.

Rasmus was summoned from the bullpen to make his first career start and struck out six while allowing one hit in three innings before handing it off to seven other relievers. Yoslan Herrera (1-1) picked up the win and Huston Street worked the ninth for his 35th save as the Angels pushed four games ahead of the Athletics in the American League West.

Jeff Samardzija (6-11) did his best to keep up with the Los Angeles relievers, surrendered two runs - one earned - on four hits while striking out nine in an eight-inning complete game as Oakland dropped its fourth game in a week to the AL West rivals. Josh Donaldson recorded two of the Athletics’ three hits.

Los Angeles got to Samardzija in the fourth when Albert Pujols led off with a single and moved to second on an error that allowed Howie Kendrick to reach. Aybar followed with a single to right to plate Pujols and Samardzija unleashed a wild pitch that chased Kendrick home to make it 2-0.

Oakland had its best chance in the fourth after Rasmus left and Michael Roth loaded the bases with one out. Herrera came on an induced a double play to end the threat, and the Athletics would not get another baserunner until Sam Fuld’s single leading off the ninth.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Oakland (12-16) is ensured of a losing August, snapping a string of 14 straight winning months. … Aybar has hit safely in 15 straight games and recorded multiple hits in eight of the last 10 contests. … Athletics CF Coco Crisp (neck) sat out after leaving Friday’s game and is day-to-day.