"No matter how down the Angels get, Torii Hunter usually has a smile and bright outlook.

The veteran undoubtedly is one of the most well-liked players in the major leagues, and he's maintained a cheery face in the gloomiest of times this season.

That includes a series loss to Texas that further exposed the Angels as an offensively challenged team clinging to playoff hopes.

But Hunter continued to keep the Angels in good spirits Friday with two home runs and five RBIs in an 8-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium.

On a day when the Angels continued their youth movement with the recall of top prospect Mike Trout, the 36-year-old Hunter hit a three-run homer in the first inning and a two-run shot in the seventh.

"I just closed my eyes. I was lucky," joked Hunter, who extended his hitting streak to 17 games and is hitting .428 in August. "If I go to a casino right now, I'd win.

"Just bet on black."

All joking aside, Hunter made one small adjustment about a month ago: keep his head down during his swing.

"Sometimes that's what happens when you 'keep it simple, stupid,'" he said. "That's pretty much what I'm doing - 'keeping it simple stupid,' staying balanced, keeping my head down and staying short to the ball.

"Sometimes it just happens when the wind is blowing.""