Hot Mike: #ASGWorthy Trout HRs in 4th straight
ANAHEIM -- Michael Trout's current tear is bordering on magical.
The reigning American League MVP Award winner blasted a solo shot during the fifth inning of the Angels' 5-3 win over the White Sox on Monday night, marking his fourth home run in as many games.
It's a sign the center fielder has picked up where he left off prior to missing five straight games with a hamstring injury earlier in the month amid a career-best 17-game hitting streak. Since returning, Trout has only further asserted his dominance. After going hitless against Detroit on May 11, he's opened a career-best four-game homer streak.
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Trout is one game away from tying the Angels' record for consecutive games with a home run, achieved by Bobby Bonds from Aug. 2-7, 1977. The last Angel to homer in four straight was Mark Trumbo, May 27-30, 2012.
"Unbelievable," said Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun, whose game-tying three-run homer was ensued by Trout's go-ahead blast on the next at-bat and carried 433 feet, according to Statcast™. "First game [back from hamstring tightness] he didn't get a hit, and now he's back to Mike Trout. The guy, every day, he's going to amaze you with something."
Earlier Monday, Halos manager Mike Scioscia was asked about Trout, the AL Player of the Month for April, and his development amid his torrid start to the year. He said that experience has been Trout's best teacher.
"He's made adjustments along the way," Scioscia said. "I think the thing that I'm always amazed at with Mike is how consistent he is, and how he does great things with relative ease, almost on a daily basis. A lot of the things he does, believe me, are not easy to do."
While the statistics are tantalizing -- Trout has a .352/.450/.752 slash line, to go along with 12 home runs and 27 RBIs this season -- Scioscia insists Trout, who he said is the best player he's been around, is a tireless worker who's worked hard to adjust at the plate to understand pitchers and what they're doing.
"Mike's not chasing numbers," Scioscia said. "He helps us try to win the game in every aspect. He just plays the game, and obviously is playing at an extraordinary level.
"I think everybody tries to be consistent and tries to go out there and improve every game, but very few have the skill set and the ability to do the truly sensational things you see Mike do."