C.J. CRON hit a grand slam home run in the first inning as the Angels defeated the Mets 12-5 on Sunday (Flickr/Keith Allison).

Usually, the Angels fall behind and rally late. On Sunday in New York, the Halos reversed the trend, scoring nine runs in the first three innings and going on to a 12-5 win over the Mets to finish their series at Citi Field.

The victory squared the Halos’ record at 23-23 and keeps them in third place in the American League West, and puts them within seven games of the division-leading Houston Astros.

C.J. Cron hit a grand slam home run in the first inning, and Andrelton Simmons launched a three-run homer in the seventh. Mike Trout hit a two-run shot in the second and Jefry Marte had a sole home run in the second.

Cron finished with four RBIs, Trout had three and Simmons three. Trout was on base four times, with two hits and two walks.

All that offense went to the benefit of Jesse Chavez (4-5), who worked 5.2 innings and gave up seven hits and five runs, including three home runs. He struck out four and walked three.

The Angels are off to St. Petersburg on Monday, to start a four-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. J.C. Ramirez (2-3) will get the start for the Halos.