BOSTON — In a dramatic 10-inning matchup, the Los Angeles Angels overcame the Boston Red Sox with a 4-3 win on Tuesday night. The game pivoted on Zach Neto, who scored the decisive run on a bases-loaded double play groundout by Taylor Ward.
Nolan Schanuel was instrumental for the Angels, contributing with two RBIs, while Neto bolstered the effort with two hits and an RBI. This victory marks the first consecutive wins for the team since they concluded an eight-game winning stretch on May 23.
Kenley Jansen (1-2) managed a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win, and Reid Detmers notched his first career save. Detmers now stands alongside Nolan Ryan and Mike Witt as the sole pitchers in Angels history to both throw a no-hitter and achieve a save since the statistic was first recorded in 1969.
The extra innings commenced with Schanuel leading with a sacrifice bunt. The bunt was mishandled by Boston reliever Zack Kelly (1-2), enabling Neto to reach third base. Mike Trout’s subsequent walk loaded the bases. Despite going 3-0, Ward’s grounder resulted in a double play. Nevertheless, it was sufficient to bring Neto home, placing the Angels ahead.
Boston’s offense was highlighted by Ceddanne Rafaela, who drove in two runs, and Jarren Duran, contributing with one RBI. However, the Red Sox found themselves on a downturn, having lost eight out of their last ten games.
Yusei Kikuchi commenced the game for Los Angeles, allowing three runs over five-plus innings while handing out five walks but managing to strike out five batters. Remarkably, one of these strikeouts marked his 900th in the major leagues.
For Boston, Brayan Bello shook off a streak of five games without lasting five innings by allowing three runs over six innings on seven hits.
The pivotal moment arrived when Trevor Story secured a walk early in the sixth inning, setting the stage for Rafaela. He capitalized with a powerful strike, sending Kikuchi’s 89 mph slider soaring 426 feet beyond the Green Monster.
A noteworthy statistic from the game is Boston’s dismal record in close matches, now standing at 6-17 in one-run contests this season.
Looking ahead, Angels pitcher José Soriano (4-5, 3.41 ERA) is set to face Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito (1-1, 4.78 ERA) in the concluding game of the series.