THE ANGELS lost 7-4 to the Reds on Monday for their fifth consecutive defeat (Shutterstock).

Things started badly for the Los Angeles Angels Monday night and stayed that way as they lost 7-4 to the Cincinnati Reds in the opening game of a three-game series.

The Reds scored five runs in the first inning and went on to hand the Halos (56-58) their sixth loss in seven games.  The team, now in fourth in the American League West, is nine games back in the AL wild card chase.

There were some bright spots for the boys from Orange County.  They got three home runs, from Luis Rengifo (his fourth of the season), Mike Trout (his 37th) and Brian Goodwin.

Angel opener Tyler Cole (1-3) was slammed for five hits and five runs in one inning, but Luis Sandoval did better, lasting five innings while giving up three hits and two runs. He struck out eight and walked two.

On Tuesday the Halos will try to snap a five-game losing skid by sending Jose Suarez (2-2) to the mound.