IT'S NO HAPPY ENDING; MCDOWELL INEFFECTIVE, WILL BE DROPPED TODAY : BOSTON 9, ANGELS 3.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

Jack McDowell made his last start as an Angel on Sunday night in the Boston Red Sox's 9-3 win, and quite possibly McDowell's career is over for good.

The Angels want to take a look at some of their young pitchers now playing in the minors, and McDowell's spot will open up today. McDowell, the Cy Young Award winner in 1993, is expected to be released or traded, if there are any takers. He hopes to catch on with a pennant contender for the stretch run but admits interest won't be high, considering the way he's pitched lately.

Sunday, the Notre Dame High graduate lasted only four innings, giving up five runs and eight hits before 31,664 at Edison Field. Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez lasted only five innings but yielded just two runs (one earned) and three hits to earn the victory and improve to 16-3. Martinez and Houston's Mike Hampton lead the majors with 16 wins.

Troy O'Leary led the Boston offense with three hits, including his team-leading 22nd homer. Brian Daubach also homered (No. 16) and Jason Varitek added a two-run double as the Red Sox took three of four in the series.

The loss dropped the Angels to 46-64, the first time this season they've been 18 games under .500. They're on a pace to lose 94 games, something they have done only three times in 38 seasons before this year.

They haven't lost as many as 94 since 1980, when they went 65-95. They went 68-94 in 1974 and 67-95 in 1968.

McDowell (0-4), who had shoulder surgery Feb. 2, said his arm and shoulder are fine. He knows his past two starts were bad but points to his first two, when he allowed only three runs in 12 innings.

``If no one's going to give me the ball, there's not a whole lot I can do,'' he said. ``I know in my heart if I'm allowed to go out there, I'm better than a ton of guys. But the ball's not in my court right now. I have to wait and see what happens.''

If there are no takers for McDowell, he indicated he'll probably retire. Although he said he was retiring after last season, he said he means it this time, even though he's only 33.

``You look at my age and you would think the second half of my career is ahead of me,'' he said. ``But I don't envision sitting around the next six or seven months and then get to spring training and try to make somebody's team. And even then, still not know if I'm going to hold up for the season. . . . I may never be a (No.) 1 or 2 guy again, but I know I can still get people out.''

But it won't be with the Angels. Out of the race and looking ahead to next season, they need to see a number of young arms. Either Scott Schoeneweis or Jarrod Washburn is expected to take McDowell's spot initially. Ramon Ortiz might get his chance later on.

``It's strange,'' McDowell said. ``I'm only four starts out of surgery. There's a lot in this game that's good, but you can get kicked in the face. It's a question of how many times you're willing to take it.

``I wish I could have seen him before his arm injuries,'' Angels manager Terry Collins said. ``When he was throwing in the 90s, with his competitiveness, he must've been tough.''

For Martinez, who like McDowell has one Cy Young Award to his name, Sunday's victory was the 100th of his career. It was his second start since missing 2-1/2 weeks with a sore shoulder, but it was far from a memorable performance.

``My performance today was not as good as I expected, but I'll take it,'' said Martinez, whose ERA fell to 2.46. ``I was behind in the count all the time. I had problems with my control. That's not me.''

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Photo

PHOTO Boston's Nomar Garciaparra throws to first for an out as Gary DiSarcina looks on.

E.J. Flynn/Associated Press