ANGELS THROW ONE AWAY WILD PITCH IN THE NINTH GIVES WHITE SOX SWEEP CHICAGO 6, ANGELS 5.

Byline: DOUG PADILLA Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - The Angels will get another chance to match hits with the White Sox on the next road trip, although at this rate, that rematch isn't looking so desirable.

The White Sox pulled off another three-game sweep at Angels Stadium, matching the one they accomplished in the American League Championship Series.

While the White Sox's playoff victories were pitching-dominated, this current club looks like a more well-balanced threat.

After hitting their way to a victory in the series opener, the White Sox used the pitching of Jose Contreras to win Saturday and came from behind for a 6-5 victory Sunday by playing perfect situational baseball.

"We just played a team that's playing probably the best baseball in our league right now," manager Mike Scioscia said. "They are a terrific club. We feel we can play with them. We didn't get into our game this weekend, and they played a great series. They beat us."

The Angels have now lost four of their past last five games and are under .500 at the end of April (12-13) for the first time since 2003. The White Sox's sweep at Anaheim was their first since April of 1992.

The Angels close out their next road trip with three games in Chicago and some are appreciating the quick turnaround to avoid contemplating this one for too long.

"They're the team to beat," said Scot Shields, who took the loss by allowing the go-ahead run in the ninth inning on a wild pitch. "We'll be looking forward to that shot in a couple of weeks, and hopefully we can play a little better against them."

The Angels finally looked to have the White Sox sized up when they took a 5-3 lead in the fifth inning on a a two-run home run by Orlando Cabrera. But Angels starter Ervin Santana could not hold the lead as the White Sox greeted him with back-to-back doubles to open the sixth.

Rob Mackowiak appeared to be out at second base when he slipped off the bag during what was ruled an RBI double, but umpire Greg Gibson didn't see it that way.

Juan Uribe bunted Mackowiak over to third and Chris Widger followed with a score-tying sacrifice fly to center.

"It's a big play, but if we're playing at our level, that's not a play that's an issue," Scioscia said. "Right now, when you're playing a good team and you're not playing well and you're looking for everything to go your way then it's going to be tough. You have to be able to absorb a missed call."

Santana allowed five runs on eight hits in seven innings, similar to White Sox starter Jon Garland, who allowed five runs on five hits in seven innings. The difference was the bullpens. Three White Sox pitchers held the Angels scoreless over the final two innings. Neal Cotts pitched the ninth inning for the White Sox to earn for his first career save.

Shields (1-2) came on in the ninth and gave to give up a single to Widger, who was replaced by pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna. After Ozuna stole second base, he was moved to third on a bunt by a Scott Podsednik. Shields then uncorked the wild pitch past catcher Jeff Mathis to allow Ozuna to score.

"It was just a fastball that I pulled a little too much," Shields said.

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Chicago's Pablo Ozuna beats the tag of Angels reliever Scot Shields to score the tie-breaking run in the ninth inning.

Francis Specker/Associated Press