CLEVELAND -Jake Westbrook got the ground balls he wanted, just not the groundouts he needed.
Westbrook carried a two-hitter into the ninth inning and was two outs away from his second career shutout when the Los Angeles Angels rallied for a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Indians yesterday.
I guess that's why we play nine
said Angels outfielder Darin Erstad, who tied it with an RBI single in the ninth. It doesn't seem fair to him (Westbrook).
Nothing has been fair this season for Westbrook (1-7). The right-hander has lost two complete games, dropped three one-run games and hasn't gotten any help from Cleveland's sluggish offense. In his nine starts, the Indians have scored 19 runs.
He has been our tough-luck guy Indians manager Eric Wedge said.
Bartolo Colon (5-3) matched Westbrook for eight innings, allowing just one run and four hits. He appeared to be on his way to his own tough loss before the Angels finally figured out Westbrook.
He was filthy Erstad said of Westbrook. Both pitchers were great.
Westbrook entered the ninth having retired 20 in a row, and it quickly became 21 when he struck out pinch-hitter Juan Rivera leading off. Adam Kennedy then capped an eight-pitch at-bat with a single to give the Angels new life.
I tip my cap to Mr. Kennedy
Chone Figgins said. If not for that at-bat
I don't think we're celebrating right now.
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