ALBERT PUJOLS hit his ninth homer of the season on Monday, but the Angels lost 8-5 to Oakland.

Two days of strong starting pitching and victories came to an end on Monday as the Los Angeles Angels lost 8-5 to the Oakland Athletics in Anaheim.

Albert Pujols hit his ninth homer of the season in the second inning, but overall the Angel offense was not able to keep up with the visitors, who countered with three four-baggers of their own.

The Halo starter, Trevor Cahill (2-5), was tagged for six runs on six hits – including two homers – over 4.1 innings as the A’s built a 6-3 lead. A two-run rally in the top of the sixth closed the gap to one run, but Oakland put up solo runs in the seventh and eighth to pull away.

Pujols was for 2-for-4 and other Angels who had two hits were Kole Calhoun – a pair of doubles –and David Fletcher. Mike Trout continued to slump, going 0-for-4, although he did get one walk. His batting average is now down to .281.

The Angels, now 24-29, will host the A’s (29-25) again on Tuesday, with the Halo starter to be determined.