Angels fall to Athletics, 8-1

KEY MOMENT: With one on and one out in the Oakland second, Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotella misplayed what should have been an inning-ending double-play grounder. The Athletics scored an unearned run — their first of two on the day — and the Angels trailed the rest of the way.

AT THE PLATE: Albert Pujols was two for three off A’s ace Sonny Gray; the rest of the Angels were three for 27. Gray lowered his earned-run average to 1.60, reclaiming the major league lead from Gerrit Cole of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Rookie third baseman Kyle Kubitza struck out three times Sunday and has struck out in six of his first 13 major league at-bats.

ON THE MOUND: Starter Matt Shoemaker, forced to make a score of extra pitches by a leaky defense, gave up four runs — three earned — in 5 2/3 innings. … Left-handed reliever Jose Alvarez faced three batters — two of them left-handed — and gave up hits to all three. … Trevor Gott made his major league debut and worked a perfect ninth inning. Gott, 22, was acquired with closer Huston Street from the San Diego Padres in a six-player trade last July. “There’s no doubt he has an exciting young arm,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “His long-range potential is definitely as a back-end guy in a really good bullpen.”

EXTRA BASES: The Angels, needing a backup center fielder on the roster, promoted outfielder Daniel Robertson from triple-A Salt Lake and, for the second time in three weeks, optioned first baseman/designated hitter C.J. Cron to Salt Lake. Robertson, 29, said he got word of the call-up at 11:45 Saturday night. “I had just picked up dinner,” he said. “A little Taco Bell, if you can call that dinner.”

UP NEXT: Jered Weaver (4-6, 4.61 ERA) faces Robbie Ray (1-1, 1.53) and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday at 7 p.m. at Angel Stadium. TV: FS West. Radio: 830, 1330.