Aug 8, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (12) rounds the bases after hitting on a solo home run in the fifth inning as Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta watches at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Allen Webster earned the win, and Koji Uehara got the save as the Red Sox took the series opener from Anaheim by a final score of 4-2.
The Angels, who are in hot pursuit of the AL West division lead, were unable to start off the series with a win, as Boston combined four pitchers to hold the Angels to just two runs. The Red Sox’ win on Friday means that the Angels would have to win both Saturday and Sunday to win the series.
Dustin Pedroia started off the scoring in the top of the third when he singled in Vazquez, and Cespedes followed up with an RBI double to make it 3-0.
The Angels answered in the bottom of the inning with a Chris Iannetta double to left field, followed by a sac fly by Mike Trout to cut the lead to 3-2.
Mike Napoli added to the lead in the fifth with a one-run shot to left center field to make it 4-2.
The Halos threatened in the ninth, and put the trying run on base, but were unable to convert, as Jackie Bradley Jr. proved that he too, (alongside Brock Holt) is Spiderman with one of the greatest catches you’ll see all year.
The Red Sox and Angels continue their series Saturday at 9:05 from the Angels Stadium of Anaheim.