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Angels look to rebound from heart-breaking loss

Jun 20, 2008 - 1:28 PM LA Angels (43-30) at Philadelphia (42-32), 7:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Francisco Rodriguez has been arguably the best closer in the majors this season. But even the best run into trouble sometimes.

Rodriguez looks to bounce back from a rare blown save on Friday when the Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 26-year-old righthander surrendered a game-tying RBI single to David Wright in the ninth inning on Wednesday as the New York Mets went onto claim a 5-4 victory on the strength of Damion Easley's solo home run in the 10th.

It was just the second blown save of the season for Rodriguez, who leads the majors with 28 saves. He had converted 25 straight saves before Wenesday's meltdown as the Angels dropped to 2-2 in extra-inning games this year.

Ervin Santana (8-3, 3.40 ERA) tries to get the rebound for a dismal performance of his own when he takes the mound for the Angels on Friday.

Santana, 25, allowed six runs and nine hits in just 5 2/3 innings, walking two while striking out six en route to a 9-4 loss against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.

Adam Eaton (2-4, 4.57) counters for the Phillies. The 30-year-old righthander is 0-1 in his last two starts after allowing six runs and 17 hits in 12 2/3 innings over that span.