MIKE SCIOSCIA has no reason to smile as the Angels have lost four of five (Flickr/Keith Allison).

The Los Angeles Angels are picking a bad time to take their foot off the gas pedal. After a stretch in which they won 10 of 13 games, the Halos lost 2-1 to the Houston Astros Friday night in Anaheim for their fourth loss in five contests.

This skid – at home, no less, and against division rivals – dropped the Angels (65-64) into third place in the American League West, and a game and a half back in the race for the second AL wild card berth.

In a bit of a pitcher’s duel at the Big A, Parker Bridwell (7-2) was good, but not quite good enough, as he worked seven innings, giving up just six hits and two runs. He struck out five batters and walked none. Astros’ starter Collin McHugh (2-2) was a bit better, going six innings with three hits and one run. He struck out eight and walked two.

The long Angel run came on a double by Kole Calhoun in the first, scoring Mike Trout, who had walked. But that was it for offense. Only C.J. Cron had more than one hit; he had two singles.

Houston got its scores on a home run by J.D. Davis, and a wild pitch after George Springer had doubled.

The series continues on Saturday with Tyler Skaggs (1-4) making the start for the Angels.