C.J. CRON hit two home runs in the Angels’ 8-2 win over the A’s on Tuesday (Flickr/Keith Allison).

A win is a win. After losing five of seven to two strong American League West rivals, the Los Angeles Angels have gained some ground with two victories over the last place Oakland A’s.

Tuesday’s 8-2 win was powered by a five-run first inning, two home runs by first baseman C.J. Cron, plus a sterling middle relief stint by Jesse Chavez. The win improved the Halo record to 68-65, still second place in the AL West. It also moved them to within one game of Minnesota in the race for the second AL wild card spot.

“I think we all are trying to do our job to help the team win ballgames,” Cron said. “My job is to drive in runs and put a charge into balls. Fortunately enough, I was able to do that tonight.”

The Angels rocked Oakland starter Dave Smith (0-4) with a fistful of runs in the opening frame, eventually knocking him out of the game with two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Cron hit his 11th and 12th home runs in the win; Luis Maldonado hit his 12th. Overall the Angels had five extra base hits. Ben Revere and Cron each had two hits.

Angels starter Troy Scribner only lasted 2.2 innings, yielding four hits and two runs. He struck out two and walked one.

The pitching star of the day was Chavez (7-10) who worked four innings in relief, giving up one hit and one walk. He struck out five.

On Wednesday the Angels will try to make it three straight when they send Parker Bridwell (7-2) to the mound against the A’s.