C.J. CRON hit a two-run home run in the Angels’ 5-3 win over the Tigers on Tuesday (Flickr/Mark6mauno photo).

The formula for a good season for a big league baseball team has always been this: win at home and at least break even on the road. The Los Angeles Angels are doing well enough in Anaheim with an 18-12 record, but in away games their mark is just about the reverse of that.

With a 5-3 win Tuesday night over the Detroit Tigers, the Halos took a baby step toward changing the trend. A strong showing in the series in the Motor City would do even more.

The Angels got a strong showing from Kole Calhoun, who went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs. The four-bagger was his fourth in five games as he continues to pick up some of the slack created by the absence of Mike Trout. C.J. Cron also added a two-run home run to the attack.

“It’s different, definitely different,” Calhoun said of playing without Trout. “This is my first road trip without him. Feels like someone’s missing, for sure.”

Jesse Chavez (5-6) worked 5.1 innings, giving up seven hits and two runs. He struck out four batters and walked none. Bud Norris picked up his 11th save, despite giving up two hits and a walk in the ninth.

The win kept the Angels (30-31) tied for second in the American League West with the Texas Rangers (29-30); both are 13 games back of the Houston Astros. They are both also 2.5 games back in the AL wild card race.

On Wednesday, Alex Meyer (2-2) will make the start for the Angels.