Kole Calhoun lifts Angels with game-winning home run against Athletics

It’s nearly impossible to outshine Mike Trout these days — particularly after he finishes three for three with the game-tying home run — but Kole Calhoun did just that Friday.

Calhoun followed up Trout with what proved to be the game-winning homer against the Oakland Athletics on a solo shot in the bottom of the eighth, giving him his third RBI of the night after also connecting on a two-run single in the sixth inning.

“I think when I first got into the cleanup spot, I tried to do a little too much,” Calhoun said after the 5-4 victory. “[I’m] just trying to get back to my roots ... not trying to think about anything else. You guys can put all the speculation on the four-hole, but I’m going to go out and play.”

Since taking over the cleanup spot on May 18, Calhoun has struggled, hitting .227 in 23 games. But Friday was his second multi-RBI performance in his last four contests, perhaps signaling the end of a slump.

“He was in a little bit of a dry spell, but I don’t think it was because of pressure,” Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said. “That’s not his nature. His nature is just play and deal with the results. He does a great job of that.”

Calhoun’s clutch play came during his bobblehead night, which he — like the 42,113 fans in attendance — also partook in. Calhoun estimated that he collected 60 or 70 bobbleheads to pass out to family and friends.

“Just being a fan of the game and coming from where I’ve came from, to have some giveaways at your home club, it just kind of humbles you,” Calhoun said. “It’s definitely an awesome feeling.”

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