Missed Chances Anger Lachemann

Mike Holtz’s wild pitch that allowed Seattle to score the winning run in the 12th inning was hardly the most disturbing aspect of the 5-4 loss to the Mariners on Thursday night.

What infuriated Manager Marcel Lachemann was missed opportunities--the Angels had 16 hits but managed only four runs--and gift opportunities--Angel pitchers walked lead-off batter Rich Amaral three times, and the Mariner center fielder scored after two of the free passes.

“He’s got Babe Ruth hitting behind him and after Ruth is Lou Gehrig,” Lachemann said, alluding to Seattle shortstop Alex Rodriguez, who had a homer, two doubles and three runs batted in, and designated hitter Edgar Martinez. “We’ve got to make that guy [Amaral] swing the bat.”

Lachemann was actually happy with the two-out pitch that skipped past Angel catcher Pat Borders and allowed Paul Sorrento to break the 4-4 tie. Holtz had replaced Rich Monteleone and struck out Darren Bragg with Sorrento on third before delivering a curve, which hit the ground in front of Borders’ glove and caromed to the backstop.

“Holtz did a nice job--the breaking ball was supposed to be in the dirt,” Lachemann said. “The catcher has got to block that ball.”

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With catcher Don Slaught, who is batting .340, sidelined for as much as a week because of a strained muscle in his lower back, the Angels were forced to recall catcher Jorge Fabregas from triple-A Vancouver. Seldom-used reliever Shad Williams (0-2, 9.36 earned run average in 11 appearances) was optioned to Vancouver to make room for Fabregas. . . . Designated hitter Chili Davis on Minnesota Twin outfielder Kirby Puckett: “He was not only a teammate but one of the best friends you’ll meet in the game. There’s only three or four guys I know who, if they asked me to do anything, I would, and he’s one. He’s a special human being. I wish I could say the same about myself.” . . . Seattle entered Friday night’s game with the best record (51-29) among American League West clubs in head-to-head meetings since 1994. Next was Oakland (46-37), the Angels (36-48) and Texas (33-52). . . . The Angels have not won consecutive games since their four-game streak June 17-20.