If you really pushed him, outfielder Kole Calhoun could probably tell you exactly where his Angels stand in American League West.
Dead last. Twelve games back of Texas. Owners of a 28-37 record and a season threatening to slip away.
Yet, after the Angels held on to defeat the Twins 5-4 Tuesday night, Calhoun would have none of it. Either because of a veteran’s perspective or having no other real recourse, Calhoun opted for the long view.
”We’re not looking at the standings, man,” he said. ”It’s June. A season, and individuals, are going to have ups and downs. Hopefully this is the start of an up.”
Calhoun did his part Tuesday to contribute to a needed team rebirth, hitting a solo homer and doubling in another run. Coupled with Johnny Giavotella’s two-run homer, the Angels’ 12-hit attack was enough to hold off a Twins team that scored single runs in the second, third, fifth and sixth innings but never could take the lead.
”We kept coming back, but the problem was every time we’d score they’d answer,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said. ”Their bullpen did a really nice job.”
Angels starter Jhoulys Chacin (3-4) left after five-plus innings, having surrendered four runs on seven hits and a walk.
”I didn’t have my best stuff tonight,” Chacin said. ”I just had to battle.”
But five Angels relievers held the Twins scoreless over the last four innings. Closer Huston Street blew his first save of the year in his last outing Saturday against Indians, but retired the Twins in order in the ninth to earn his seventh save.
”A blown save matters for a team and my last three outings all have been shaky,” Street said. ”That’s why it’s important to come back and find your groove. Three up and three down, re-establish that pattern.”
The Angels had lost seven of their last eight, and were 0-4 against the Twins.
Giavotella also homered Monday, marking the first time in his six-year career he has hit home runs in back-to-back games. His fourth home run of the season matched his career high and he has eight hits in his last 15 at-bats.
”He’s swinging the bat well,” Calhoun said. ”We’re going to need that from him. It’s good to see him swinging like he has the last couple of games.”
Ervin Santana (1-7) started for the Twins and was charged with all five runs, surrendering 10 hits. Santana has lost his last five starts with an ERA of 7.71.
”It was a situation with Ervin, they seemed to get a lot of good swings on him,” Molitor said. ”I’m not sure what the issue is.
”He’ll keep working. I don’t think it’s anything major. He just hasn’t been consistent like he has in the past.”
Joe Mauer, Robbie Grossman and Juan Centeno all had two hits for the Twins.