Jeff Weaver threw seven strong innings en route to his career-high 17th victory as the Los Angeles Angels upended the host Oakland Athletics 4-1 Wednesday afternoon.

The Angels remained three games behind Texas in the American League West. The Rangers defeated Cleveland 9-1 on Wednesday.

Weaver (17-7), who had won just two of his previous eight starts, outduelled Oakland counterpart Rich Harden (4-3) to surpass his previous high of 16 victories established in 2009. The 28-year-old accomplished the feat despite recording only one strikeout, his lowest tally since May 7.

Rookie first baseman Mark Trumbo bolstered his rookie-of-the-year credentials with a two-run homer in the sixth inning and Bobby Abreu added an RBI double as the Angels won their second straight game.

Jordan Walden worked the ninth for his 31st save.

Josh Willingham's solo shot in the third inning provided the lone offense for the Athletics, who are assured of a losing record for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Willingham had seven RBIs in the three-game series.

Harden was charged with three runs over 5 1/3 innings in his first loss since Aug. 2, a span of seven outings.