American League

Oakland Athletics have moved into a share of the lead in the American League West with a 5-3 victory over the Anaheim Angels.

Terrence Long hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the sixth inning on Thursday to edge the A's closer to the division title.

Should Oakland and the Angels tie at the end of the regular season, the A's would win based on the teams head-to-head record.

Thursday's victory was their fifth in seven games.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson earned his fourth straight win as his side defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1.

Johnson matched team-mate Curtis Schilling's major league record in victories in the process.

His September record, going back to 1993, is now 27-1 in 38 appeances, including 37 starts.

The Diamondbacks now need just four more wins for a second straight NL West title and a third in four seasons.

Thursday's MLB results:

American League: Baltimore 3-9 Toronto
Chicago White Sox 1-2 Kansas City
Oakland 5-3 Anaheim
Tampa Bay 3-2 New York Yankees

National League: San Diego 1-3 Arizona
Milwaukee 5-4 Houston
Colorado 6-12 St Louis
Atlanta 6-0 Philadelphia
Miami 5-6 Montreal
Pittsburgh 4-5 Cincinnati
New York 3-2 Chicago Cubs