Cowgill downplays big night against his former team

ANAHEIM -- Collin Cowgill, the Mets' Opening Day center fielder in 2013, had a big game against his old team Saturday night.
 
Cowgill homered and singled in three at-bats, and threw speedy Eric Young out at the plate from left field in the first inning.
 
"I treat every game, every team I play against, the same," said Cowgill, who was traded to the Angels in June for Kyle Johnson. "All I want is to win, and we came up short last night [the 7-6 loss to the Mets in 13]."
 
Asked about Young challenging his arm on a short fly, Cowgill said: "He's going to challenge everybody."
 
It was Cowgill's third game leading off this season. Asked if it's a good role for him, he said: "I just like being in the lineup, wherever they put me, and on the field, wherever they put me."
 
Manager Mike Scioscia said Cowgill and J.B. Shuck, who will platoon in left field while slugger Josh Hamilton [thumb] is out, "have the potential to be productive in that role. They're both tough outs."
 
Shuck hit his third Major League homer in 521 at-bats Friday in the series opener. He got the start Sunday against Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon.