KOLE CALHOUN had three hits including a home run in the Angels’ 12-7 loss on Monday to the Texas Rangers in Arlington (Flickr/Keith Allison).

An early lead was no proof against defeat Monday as the Los Angeles Angels fell 12-7 to the Texas Rangers in Arlington. The loss – the team’s second in three games – dropped their record to 8-8 and into last place in the American League West.

The Angels scored three runs in the top of the first, and led 4-1 after two and one-half innings, but that was the crest of the wave as the Orange County team was outscored 11-3 the rest of the way.

Even with Mike Trout back in the lineup, the Angels couldn’t generate enough offense after the initial outburst. Trout walked twice and scored two runs in his return. The hitting star of the game for the visitors was Kole Calhoun, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs.

Four Angel pitchers didn’t have much luck in containing the Rangers, who peppered the Halo hurlers with 14 hits and drew seven walks.

The Angels will be back in action today (Tuesday) with Jaime Barria (1-0) making the start for them.