Patterson, Grahe Lift the Angels’ Spirits

Buried deep within the Angels’ 2-1 loss to Oakland on Thursday--buried in the late innings, at least--were two shiny objects that caught the Angels’ attention.

The first was reliever Ken Patterson, who extended his scoreless innings streak to 12 2/3--the longest by an Angel reliever this season.

The second was reliever Joe Grahe, who came in with one out and runners on first and third in the eighth and did what the Angels figured he would do back in spring training, before his shoulder went south just before the team did.

Although Grahe allowed two hits and a run in the ninth, he slammed the door on the Athletics in the pressure situation presented to him in the eighth.

“That’s the best I’ve seen Joe throw in a while,” Angel Manager Buck Rodgers said. “The biggest thing now is how he comes back. We haven’t been able to use him on back-to-back days.”

Grahe, who was placed on the disabled list June 4 with tendinitis in his shoulder and was not activated until July 15, was happy that he was able to come back so quickly after pitching 2 1/3 innings Tuesday against Oakland.

“I just wish they hadn’t scored that last run (in the ninth),” Grahe said. “Physically, though, it’s the best I’ve felt since I’ve been back.

“But it was really big for me to come in a tight situation in the eighth and save a couple of runs.”

As for Patterson, he gave up one hit in a third of an inning. This came after he collected his first save of the season Monday, when he pitched 2 2/3 hitless innings and called it his best performance in the majors.

“I think I’ve been pitching good since June 7; it’s been no news to me,” Patterson said. “I’ve felt confident since the road trip to Toronto (which started June 7).”

On June 8, Patterson’s earned-run average was 7.64; this morning it has shriveled to 4.87. Part of Patterson’s recent success comes from his move to the third-base side of the pitching rubber.

“It’s given me a better view of home plate,” said Patterson, who has allowed only six of 35 inherited runners to score this season. “I’ve got a better angle on my slider and I’m not walking guys like earlier in the year. I’ve been throwing a lot of strikes.”