Angels Fail to Support Langston and Lose, 3-2

CHICAGO — If Mark Langston didn’t know how Jim Abbott felt about the lack of offensive support from the Angels, he probably does now.

Langston didn’t figure in the decision Sunday--a 3-2 loss to the White Sox in 11 innings--but he certainly pitched well enough to win.

Langston pitched the first 10 innings, giving up only four hits and two runs. He struck out 11 and walked one. But about all he has to show for his effort is a lower earned-run average--3.80. Langston (12-14) has pitched 10 innings in two of his last three starts, and at least eight innings in his last four outings.

Abbott, of course, knows all about pitching well and not having the record to show for it. He is 7-15, but his ERA of 2.66 is one of the best in the American League.

Chuck Crim (7-6) started the 11th and yielded singles to Dale Sveum and Steve Sax. After Tim Raines walked to load the bases, Frank Thomas singled to left on Crim’s first pitch to drive in Sveum.

The Angels finished 31-50 on the road, their worst record away from Anaheim Stadium since going 32-49 in 1974.

Thomas, who also singled home a run in the first inning, has 110 RBIs, third best in the league behind Cecil Fielder (123) and Joe Carter (116).

Chicago scored twice in the first inning on a single by Thomas and a grounder by Robin Ventura. Langston went on to retire 17 straight batters.

Junior Felix homered in the fifth and the Angels scored another run in the inning on John Orton’s single, making the score 2-2.