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

Although Chad Curtis’ eighth-inning home run Sunday was his first homer--and first run batted in--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 today.”

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. “I was invited to the party,” interim Manager John Wathan said, “but I didn’t go because I was afraid I’d have to bring 300 roses.”

Getting another start is the only other present Blyleven wants. Although Blyleven’s turn in the rotation will be skipped the next time because of Thursday’s off day, Blyleven is happy simply to be pitching again.

“I’m sure my role will still be as the fifth starter, and whatever they want to do is fine with me,” he said.

Sunday’s loss left the Angels with a 4-13 record in one-run decisions. . . . Lance Parrish became the first catcher to throw out AL stolen base leader Kenny Lofton when he nabbed Lofton in the first inning Sunday. Lofton, who has 24 steals, has been picked off once. . . . Gary Gaetti found an interesting tape to play on the clubhouse stereo before Sunday’s game: an old song by The Guess Who, called “Bus Rider.” His teammates, barely a week past the bus accident, groaned good-naturedly at his choice of music and suggested he bring it on the next road trip, which includes a bus ride from Milwaukee to Chicago.