BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Curtis Unable to Enjoy Rare Homer

Although Chad Curtis’ eighth-inning home run Sunday was his first homer--and first RBI--since May 9, the Angels’ 4-3 loss prevented the rookie outfielder from enjoying the moment. “I didn’t hit that ball any better than I’ve hit a few balls lately. It just jumped over the fence,� said Curtis, whose homer accounted for the Angels’ final run. “We’ve got to start scoring runs. To quote one of my minor league instructors, Joe Maddon, ‘Great pitching is a terrible thing to waste,’ and we wasted great pitching by Jim Abbott.�

The celebration of Bert Blyleven’s victory over the Indians Friday carried well into the night, with Patty Blyleven throwing her husband a surprise party at their Villa Park home. Before the game, she had sent her husband a basket of 279 roses, one for each of his victories before Saturday, and a separate 280th for good luck.

Sunday’s loss left the Angels 4-13 in one-run decisions. . . . Lance Parrish became the first catcher to throw out American League stolen-base leader Kenny Lofton when he nabbed Lofton in the first inning Sunday. Lofton, who has 24 steals, has also been picked off once.