ANAHEIM, Calif. — A thrilling showdown unfolded on Tuesday night as Christian Moore launched a game-tying home run in the eighth inning, followed by a dramatic two-run walk-off homer in the 10th, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Los Angeles Angels against the Boston Red Sox.
Moore, celebrated as the Angels’ top prospect and the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, proved his mettle with a solo shot against Greg Weissert in the eighth inning. The contest tightened once more when Marcelo Mayer delivered a leadoff RBI single in the 10th, temporarily pushing Boston ahead as he faced Reid Detmers who ended the night without a decision at 3-2. However, Moore’s decisive swing sent a slider from Justin Wilson sailing into the right field, bringing his 11th major league game to a jubilant close.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox received a stellar performance from Garrett Crochet, who dominated with 10 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits. Boston’s stretch of difficulties continued with this being their fourth consecutive loss, despite Mayer’s commendable performance of securing three of Boston’s five hits. Angels’ shortstop Zach Neto left the field with an apparent injury in the ninth, following an error on a grounder from Romy Gonzalez. However, Kenley Jansen managed to navigate through the tense situation.
Leading Major League Baseball in strikeouts, Crochet once again showcased his prowess, battling through three walks yet expertly cutting off earned runs for the first time since April 19, marking his fourth double-digit strikeout game of the season. Earlier, Mayer had sparked Boston’s offense with a triple in the third inning, ultimately scoring the team’s initial run on Nate Eaton’s fly ball to right.
Los Angeles pitcher Tyler Anderson limited Boston to two hits and made it to the fifth inning before the bullpen took over, keeping the Angels within reach throughout the game.
In a defining moment, Moore’s execution in the 10th was a pivotal twist, as his third career homer narrowly crossed the right-field line, changing the match’s direction. Notably, Boston marked its regular season’s halfway point with a 40-41 record. It’s a rare mark of adversity, with a losing record at the season’s midpoint occurring only four times in the last 27 full seasons for the Red Sox.
Looking forward, the Angels aim for a series sweep on Wednesday with Yusei Kikuchi (2-6, 3.01 ERA) expected to start. The Red Sox will likely counter with Richard Fitts (0-3, 4.71 ERA) on the mound.