That was until the Angels put up 12 runs and Mike Trout decided to go beast mode and hit for the cycle. Not only did Trout hit for the cycle – he is the sixth Angel to hit for the cycle and just happens to be the youngest AL player EVER to do it at age 21 (Alex Rodriguez previously held that record as a Seattle Mariner). Here is the breakdown from last night:

1st inning: Struck out
3rd inning: Infield single
4th inning: Tripled to right-center
6th inning: Double to left
8th inning: Home run to center

Bottom line: When people say Mike Trout is a “special player” I think they might be on to something here. Ya think?!? And let’s not forget that Trout is the most recent Angel to hit for the cycle since Chone Figgins “got figgy with it” and did it in 2006.

Lost in all of this may be the fact that Jerome Williams pitched a solid eight shut-out innings last night for his third consecutive quality start. Birthday boy Josh Hamilton (he turned 32) added a two-run home run and a triple while Howie Kendrick contributed by hitting a two-run home run to right-field in the fourth inning. Hamilton’s night may be the most encouraging sign that this club is going to turn things around.

Interesting fact: 12 of the Angels 27 losses have been on two runs or fewer.   Somewhere GM Jerry DiPoto is banging his head against the proverbial wall

The Halos have won three in a row and may have turned the page on their slow start. C.J. Wilson (3-3, 3.72) will take the hill against Brandon Maurer (2-5, 5.75) tonight. Game time 4:00 pm PST – Fox Sports West.

May 21, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Mike Trout (27) rounds the bases on a triple against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ok, maybe I made that last one up. But, would it really surprise you if it was true? Yeah, me neither. He is, simply put, the best. And he added another feather to his cap last night when he became the sixth Angels player to hit for the cycle. He’s the youngest Angels player to ever hit for the cycle, the youngest American Leaguer to ever hit for the cycle, the youngest player since Mel Ott hit for the cycle in 1929, and, the sixth youngest player to ever hit for the cycle. Mike Trout: Go big, or go home. Obviously, Trout intentionally made sure to not hit for a natural cycle by getting his triple in the fourth before getting a bases clearing double in the sixth. He doesn’t want to make it look too obvious that he is a baseball playing cyborg. My guess is that he unveils his secret sometime after he signs some ridiculous $200MM extension (hint, hint. Wink, wink Dipoto).

After the game, Trout had this to say:

“I didn’t really think of it until about the eighth inning. I’m in the outfield, I’m like, ‘Man, I got a triple, double and a single,’” Trout said. “And I got to 2-0 there, and I said, ‘Hey, if I’m going to hit one, it’s going to be this pitch.’ So I hit it and it went out.

Er, um. Well, he’s awesome between the lines, right? And that’s all that matters.

The short list of Angels players to hit for the cycle is as follows: Jim Fregosi (twice), “Disco” Dan Ford, Dave Winfield, Jeff Davanon and Chone Figgins. And I know exactly what you’re thinking; Jeff Davanon? Really? Yup, Davanon hit for the cycle on August 25th, 2004. Surprisingly, not all of the cycles hit by Angels players have come in games where the Angels have come out on top. Both Figgins’ and Ford’s came in losing affairs. Tuck that little nugget of useless information into your back pocket for the next time you are at a company mixer and someone randomly asks, “Hey, I wonder if an Angels player has ever hit for the cycle in a game where they lost?” You will be the only person that will know, and you’ll thank me for it later.

Mike Trout’s five RBI’s from last night, also set a new benchmark for “RBI’s in a game in which a player hit for the cycle while wearing an Angels uniform.” Previously, Jeff Davanon had the most with four. And I know what you’re thinking; Jeff Davanon? Really? Yup, really.

So, congratulations, Mike Trout, on your first career cycle. It’s not hard to fathom him getting plenty more over the course of his career. The Major League record for cycles in a career is three, and that has been done by Babe Herman, John Reilly and Bob Meusel. Will Trout eclipse that number? At only 21 years of age, with his talent? I’d say that the odds are definitely stacked in his favor.

Apr 14, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Sean Burnett (24) pitches during the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. Angels won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Burnett Off DL; Angels Send Down Brasier

My boyfriend’s back with his crooked hat and you’re gonna be in trouble. I man-crush extra hard on lefties for some reason. Don’t judge me.

David Eckstein Will Represent LA Angels at ’13 Draft

This is another way of saying, “The Angels are looking for the scrappiest players.” Which is scary.

Mike Trout Adds Cycle to Lengthy List of Achievements

It’s not that lengthy. But, yeah, Mike Trout has done quite a bit of damage to baseball history in such a short amount of time. Imagine if he continues to naturally get better as he gets into his prime years. Woof.

Angels Shortstop Erick Aybar Exits with Right Knee Soreness

This, fortunately, is much ado about nothing. It was tweeted during the game last night that Erick Aybar will be in the lineup tonight. But it is disconcerting that a player, who has been generally healthy throughout his career, is having these kind of issues. Maybe the Angels should have held onto Jean Segura.

Mike Trout and the Sophomore Slump That Wasn’t

Consider yourself roasted, haters. And myself, for that matter. Mike Trout is once again forcing me to eat crow, and let me tell you, it’s delicious.

Diamondbacks’ Pat Corbin Continues Dominance vs. Rockies

I am a glutton for punishment. The thing I hated most about the Dan Haren trade, was that Tyler Skaggs was included. I had no idea that Patrick Corbin was going to be this good though, which obviously makes it worse. Of course, it could just be the sample size, but he has been untouchable this season. He probably would’ve looked great in Angels red, huh?

Bees Are the Right Fit for Veteran Players

As is every other minor league team in the history of all things. These guys don’t want to quit playing baseball, great. Here’s a uniform, now go play.

Weaver’s Return Dependent on Extended Spring Game

Because, duh. Obviously, if Weaver is terrible, and reporting discomfort, the Angels brass is going to slow down the process. Although, they can’t really afford to do that and continue letting Joe Blanton be Joe Blanton every fifth day.

Mike Trout, is a wet trout. Get it? Guys?