CLAYTON KERSHAW struck out seven batters in five innings as the Dodgers beat the Braves on Monday (Flickr/David Slaughter).

Well, that didn’t last long.

The Angels and Dodgers were each in first place in their divisions Monday morning, but a bit of reality set in for the Halos on Monday night.

After taking three in a row from the American League West’s worst team – the Texas Rangers – the fellows from Anaheim met the best team in the ALW – the Houston Astros – and lost, 8-3. Now 6-5, they’re tied with the Oakland A’s for second place.

Tyler Wade drove in two runs for the Angels and Max Stassi homered. Starter Michael Lorenzen (1-1) was knocked out after working 3.1 innings and giving up four runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out two.

As for Mike Trout, who was hit in the hand on Sunday, he remained out of the lineup and will return once the bruise has more fully healed.

The Angels take on the Astros again today (Tuesday) with Patrick Sandoval (0-0) getting the start.

The Dodgers (8-2) remained atop the National League West after defeating the Atlanta Braves, 7-4 on Monday. The Blue Crew built up an early 6-0 and hung for the win.

Justin Turner drove in three runs with a double and two other Dodgers homered. Clayton Kershaw (2-0) got the start and the win, working five innings and yielding six hits and four runs. He struck out seven batters and walked none.

The two teams play again today in Atlanta.

Crucial prep games coming up

Some key local high school baseball and softball games are on the schedule which could affect league races.

On Wednesday, Pacifica (4-2 in league and 16-7 overall) will visit Cypress (6-0, 19-3-2) in an Empire League game. A victory could get the Mariners back in the title race.

In the Golden West League, Ocean View and Segerstrom are each 6-0 in league. They won’t meet until next week – Tuesday and Thursday – but third place Katella (4-2) could change that equation a bit with an upset win today (Tuesday) when the Knights host the Seahawks.

The Garden Grove League is a real horse race, with four teams in contention. Los Amigos (8-3) is the leader but second place Loara (7-4) visits fourth place Bolsa Grande (6-5) in a game that could thin out the field.

In Empire League softball, Pacifica (7-0, 22-3) will take on second place Kennedy (5-1, 13-10) on Thursday at the Mariner field. The M’s are on an 11-game winning streak and defeated Kennedy 6-2 in an earlier meeting.