KOLE CALHOUN hit a home run and played a key role in a run-scoring double steal as the Angels defeated the Twins 2-1 Wednesday (Flickr/Keith Allison).

The Los Angeles Angels got two pieces of good news on Wednesday: a win that snapped a three-game losing streak and a top-notch pitching performance by a talented young player.

Parker Bridwell (3-1) worked six strong innings, giving up just four hits and no runs in the Halos’ 2-1 victory at Target Field. He struck out five batters and walked three. The win kept the Angels (44-45) in second place in the American League West, a game ahead of the Texas Rangers.

“He had to work to get through some innings, he had to work for some outs, but he made pitches,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said of Bridwell. “Outside of maybe the walks, that’s a good outing. If he pitches more efficient, maybe we will see him get into that seventh inning consistently.”

The Orange County team got seven hits, with the biggest a first inning home run by Kole Calhoun, his 12th homer of the season. The winning run came in the top of the sixth when Cameron Maybin stole home on a double steal with Calhoun.

Wednesday’s win overshadowed a good pitching performance by Twins starter Ervin Santana (10-6), who had his fourth complete game, the best in baseball. He gave up seven hits and two runs. He walked two and struck out five.

Next up for the Angels will be a trip to Arlington on Friday to take on the Texas Rangers, with Rick Nolasco (4-9) making the start for the Halos.