Reggie’s All-Star Showing Helps Angels Win, 7-2

At 39, Reggie Jackson likes to say he is just sneaking by. In the process, however, he may not be sneaking into the All-Star game merely on the basis of his past credentials.

Second among American League outfielders in the most recent voting, Jackson is making his choice seem legitimate. Or, as he said after driving in three runs in the Angels’ 7-2 victory over the Texas Rangers Tuesday night: “If I am in the game, it will at least be with some respectable numbers.”

In the wake of his three singles on Monday night, Jackson contributed a two-run double to a five-run first inning that also included a two-run homer by Rob Wilfong, then doubled in another run in a two-run second.

Given a 7-0 lead, Kirk McCaskill wrestled a little with his consistency, but scattered eight hits over eight innings, ultimately emerging with his third win in his last four decisions, his third in eight decisions overall.

Donnie Moore pitched a flawless ninth after the Angels turned three double plays behind McCaskill, giving them 102 in 75 games, a pace that projects to 220, which would break the major league record of 217, set by Philadelphia in 1949.

Jackson’s numbers are also impressive, though no longer that significant, he said.

He has 7 hits in his last 10 at-bats and a .375 average (18 for 48) over his last 16 games, a span in which he has 18 RBIs and 4 home runs. He leads the Angels with 37 RBIs, is second in homers with 11 and is hitting .266, a considerable improvement from his .223 of last year and the .194 of 1983.

Of the possibility that he will be playing in a 13th All-Star game, Jackson said:

“I take it as a privilege. Whether I deserve it or not, I don’t know. A lot of guys are having better years. I’ve always felt that the managers should pick the starters and let the fans vote for the rest of us.

“I guess what I’m saying is that no, if I am a starter, I shouldn’t be, but I am still proud that the fans may vote me on the team. I’m 39. I’m not going to make too many more. The next time may be honorary. The next time may be gratis.”

Jackson doesn’t seem ready for that category.

Said Manager Gene Mauch: “He’s got everything together right now. His approach, his mechanics. It’s there. Who knows how long it will last, but a month would be fine with me.”

Mauch has given Jackson 203 at-bats, employing 73 lineups in 75 games. Some, he said, by design. Some by necessity.

“It’s a delicate thing with the guys who are 35 and over,” Mauch said. “I’ve got to keep everybody as sharp as I can because we’re going to need them all. It’s not easy. I know they need a certain amount of rest.”

Jackson has rebounded from the pulled hamstring of May to display the consistency of spring. The handling by Mauch, the more frequent involvement in right field and the manager’s urging to forget home runs and use the entire field has contributed to Jackson’s revival.

Jackson’s diligent work habits have helped, too.

“Whether I drive in 80 runs or hit 25 home runs doesn’t matter,” he said. “I’m not going to get as many at-bats. I’m not going to play as often.

“It’s not how many with me anymore. It’s a matter of consistency now. I want to be consistent when I do play. I mean, the manager is not into me compiling numbers. He’s more into conserving me.”

Such was the case Tuesday night, when Jackson came out after his third at-bat in the fourth inning. This allowed Mike Brown, who will play right field tonight when Jackson becomes the DH against left-hander Mike Mason, to get two at-bats. Brown took advantage of them by collecting a pair of singles.

The seven runs of the first two innings came off rookie Bob Sebra, making his second big league start. Jackson’s two-run double in the first followed a walk to Rod Carew and a single by Daryl Sconiers. Wilfong followed the double with his third home run. Bobby Grich then singled and came home on a Craig Gerber triple.

There were two outs in the second when Sconiers walked and scored on Jackson’s second double. Ruppert Jones followed with an RBI single.

McCaskill allowed at least one base runner in every inning, but he weakened only in the sixth and eighth, yielding solo runs.

“Those kind of games are tough to pitch,” he said, alluding to the big lead. “You find yourself trying to aim the ball, trying to throw strikes rather than just letting it happen. You kind of lose your competitive edge with that kind of lead. You know everyone is saying, ‘get it over with, let’s get out of here.’ ”

It is a measure of the rookie’s growth, however, that he held together and made the key pitches when he needed them.

“I’m finding it easier to prepare now,” McCaskill said. “I’m not as uptight. I’m more confident. I’m starting to expect more out of myself. I think I’m going to win rather than hoping I’m going to win.”

Angel Notes

A decision on whether to put Gary Pettis on the disabled list is expected to be made after he is examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Anaheim on Thursday, when the Angels open a home stand against the Boston Red Sox. Darrell Miller, who has been on the DL with a nerve impingement and minor cartilage damage in his left knee, may replace Pettis. Miller, working out with the team on this trip, said he does not expect to need surgery until the season ends and added that he is ready to be activated. . . . Doug DeCinces drew a rest Tuesday night while Brian Downing was benched after an 0 for 8 in the wake of his three hits Saturday night at Kansas City. . . . Rod Carew, who went hitless to remain 30 shy of 3,000, was deprived of a hit in the sixth inning when his slicing drive to left was called foul by umpire John Hirschbeck, though TV replays showed it was clearly fair. . . . Donald Fehr, Executive Director of the Major League Players Assn., confirmed Tuesday that the union’s executive board will meet at Chicago on July 15, the day before the All-Star game, to vote on possible strike dates and a possible boycott of the All-Star game. . . . Dodger scout Mel Didier, who lives in the Arlington area, attended Tuesday night’s game amid rumors that the Rangers are attempting to trade Larry Parrish, a proven power hitter who has played third base as well as the outfield. . . . The Angels’ Mike Witt (6-6) faces Mike Mason (5-7) in tonight’s trip finale.