Angels’ Dan Haren breaks winless skid against Royals

Dan Haren threw seven innings to record his first win since becoming an Angel, as the Angels edged Kansas City, 3-1, in the middle contest of a three-game series.

Haren (1-2), who was traded from Arizona last month, allowed five hits, a run, walked a batter and struck out three. Fernando Rodney worked a hitless eighth inning and Brian Fuentes retired the side in order in the ninth for his 23rd save.

The victory snapped Haren’s 10-game winless streak -- the longest of his career.

Bobby Abreu continued to thrive in the lead-off spot with two hits, a pair of walks and two runs scored. Since Abreu has taken over the lead-off role, the club is 4-1. He is 7-for-16 at the plate with six runs scored. Prior to this season, Abreu had not hit in the leadoff spot since the 2007 campaign.

Erick Aybar tripled in a run, while Peter Bourjos’ squeeze bunt plated Howie Kendrick with the go-ahead tally in the fifth inning. Hideki Matsui also drove in a run as Los Angeles posted its fourth victory in five tries.

Bryan Bullington (0-2) permitted five hits and three runs over six innings for the Royals, who lost for the fifth time in six games.