Shields bounces back with gusto

OAKLAND -- This was exactly the way Scot Shields likes his eighth innings -- uneventful.

Having been blasted for five runs in only two-thirds of an inning the last time he had pitched against the Oakland Athletics, Shields reverted to his more reliable form Sunday afternoon during the Angels’ 4-3 victory at McAfee Coliseum.

The setup man rebounded from the worst outing of his career by holding the Athletics scoreless in the eighth inning and handing a one-run lead to closer Francisco Rodriguez, who recorded his 27th save to help the first-place Angels extend their lead to 3 1/2 games over Seattle in the American League West.

“I did want to get back out there soon to put that outing behind me, and I was able to do that today,” said Shields, who was 0-7 with a 5.59 earned-run average at Oakland before Sunday.

Shields struck out Dan Johnson leading off the eighth inning before walking Marco Scutaro. But he recovered quickly, retiring pinch-hitter Mike Piazza on a soft pop up to first baseman Casey Kotchman in foul territory before striking out J.J. Furmaniak to end the inning.

“I threw my slider a little more and was able to get a couple of strikeouts on that where the other night I wasn’t able to put guys away,” said Shields, who pumped his glove in triumph on the way off the field. “All of that [damage] happened with two outs [Friday]. I got to two outs pretty good but couldn’t put anybody away after that. You learn from it and have to move on.”

Rodriguez pitched a shaky but scoreless ninth, walking consecutive batters with two out before retiring Mark Ellis on a fly ball to center fielder Gary Matthews Jr.

Garret Anderson continued his strong push since returning from the disabled list last month by driving in three runs and logging two hits, including his first triple since August 17, 2006. The left fielder is hitting .327 with 17 runs in 26 games since coming back from a bothersome right hip.

“I kind of expect it because he’s been doing it ever since I’ve been here,” Shields said. “We know the guy can hit and he’s been putting up numbers his whole career.”

Manager Mike Scioscia gave Reggie Willits the day off and inserted Robb Quinlan as the designated hitter. . . . Second baseman Howie Kendrick, recovering from a broken left index finger, played catch for the first time.

ben.bolch@latimes.com