THE USUALLY SOLID Tyler Skaggs had a tough start on Tuesday, surrendering 10 runs in 3.1 innings as the Angels lost 10-6 to Tampa Bay in Florida (Flickr/Keith Allison).

After an encouraging four-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Angels are headed in the wrong direction. With a 10-6 loss Tuesday to the Tampa Bay Rays, the team has lost two straight.

A seven-run fourth inning for the home team sealed the Halos’ fate in St. Petersburg and dropped their record to 54-54.

Tyler Skaggs (8-7), normally one of the most reliable pitchers in the Angels’ starting rotation, was hammered for eight hits and 10 runs in 3.1 innings. He walked three batters, struck out three and was tagged for one home run.

The Angels did battle back from a 10-1 deficit, sparked by Kole Calhoun’s 13th home run of the season and Mike Trout’s 30th round-tripper, but the Halos never got closer than the final margin.

Calhoun, having an impressive second half comeback after struggling before the All-Star break, had three hits and drove in three runs.  Trout had two hits and Albert Pujols had three. The Angels left 10 runners on base.

The Orange County team will try to snap the skid on Wednesday when Nick Tropeano (4-5) makes the pitching start.