ANAHEIM – Turns out that the metamorphosis from the Minnesota Twins’ Ricky Nolasco to the version who has pitched for the Angels is about more than a new uniform and the comfort of being home in Southern California.

After Nolasco pitched eight strong innings in the Angels’ 8-1 victory over the Oakland A’s on Tuesday night, likely finishing his Angels season with a 3.21 ERA, he explained what happened.

Although Nolasco felt he had been pitching well enough, despite his 5.13 ERA in Minnesota, there is one significant tangible difference since the Aug.1 trade.

Angels pitching coach Charlie Nagy got him throwing his sinker more.

“Nagy has helped me out a ton understanding how good of a pitch that is,” Nolasco said. “I didn’t use it much before, but they gave me confidence in throwing it and getting those quick outs. Getting those ground balls is huge.”

Nolasco needed just 103 pitches to get 24 outs Tuesday night, including three double plays.

With the Twins, Nolasco threw 3.87 pitches per batter, which he cut to 3.76 with the Angels. Over the last six starts, it’s been 3.68.

“I’m getting quick outs, and instead of those balls being put in play in the air, they are straight into the ground,” Nolasco said. “It helps because you get to eat up more innings and get quicker outs.”

In 11 starts with the Angels, Nolasco finished six innings 10 times, including a particular hot streak over his last six starts, in which he had a 1.47 ERA. He did not allow an earned run in his last 21 innings.

Nolasco had not allowed any runs in 13 innings in his previous two outings, and he ran his scoreless streak to 18 innings before the A’s scored an unearned run in the sixth inning.

Jefry Marte provided the biggest chunk of the offense with his first career grand slam, hit on a night when his mother was in town to watch him play for the first time as a professional.

Mike Trout drove in the Angels’ first run to give him 99 RBI. He also walked, finishing the game with a 1.000 OPS. Trout was also caught attempting a stolen base, keeping him stuck at 27.

Yunel Escobar left the game with right shoulder soreness. He is day to day.

Contact the writer: jlfletcher@scng.com