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.