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BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : A Special Moment for Bielecki

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Mike Bielecki shook his father’s hand before taking the mound against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night in Camden Yards, and that small act helped him keep the Angels’ 6-2 loss in perspective.

Andy Bielecki, 69, underwent quadruple bypass surgery in April and “almost didn’t make it,” according to Bielecki, who grew up in the Dundalk section of Baltimore, about five miles from Camden Yards.

“They had to resuscitate him, and he said everything was getting fuzzy on him, but then things started coming back,” said Bielecki. “I guess the Big Guy didn’t want him to go. He wanted him to see me pitch here.”

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Saturday marked the first time Bielecki, who gave up six runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings, had pitched in his hometown, and numerous family members and friends were on hand, forming a small Bielecki fan club behind the plate.

“It was an exciting day,” Bielecki said. “The last time I saw my dad he was on a respirator, and tonight he got to see me pitch. I wish I could have won, but I know the sun is going to come up tomorrow.”

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Second baseman Damion Easley, who aggravated his sprained right wrist while fielding a grounder Friday night, was held out of Saturday’s game, even though he felt strong enough to play.

“Rod [Carew, batting instructor] just doesn’t like what he sees on his swing, and until he’s comfortable with it, I’m going to wait,” Manager Marcel Lachemann said. “I appreciate a guy wanting to play, that’s fine. But by the same token you want to put the best possible people out there.”

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Pitcher Brian Anderson, recovering from a strained left biceps, gave up two runs and seven hits in five innings during his second rehabilitation start for Class-A Lake Elsinore Friday. He’ll probably make one more start at Lake Elsinore before rejoining the Angels.

Catcher Andy Allanson, who has played only once since suffering a 16-stitch cut on the back of his left hand at New York June 3, will be out for at least two more days.

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