Red Sox squeak past Angels 3-1

Aug 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder

(middle) celebrates with third baseman

(left) after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the 8th inning during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Only hours after playing a 19-inning game, the Red Sox and Angels took the field for the series’ rubber match. Rubby De La Rosa took the mound for the Sox opposite Hector Santiago. While the Sox’ season is basically over, the Los Angeles Angels are in the midst of a battle for the AL West. Clearly one side had a lot more to lose that the other. But our plucky Red Sox are not ready to roll over and play dead.

De La Rosa pitched for seven innings while allowing only five hits and one earned run. He struck out eight batters. RDLR now sports a 3.21 ERA and a 4-4 record. Edward Mujica earned his second hold by pitching a hitless eighth inning. He struck out none and walked none. Mujica used just five pitches to get through his inning, much to the relief of Sox fans who don’t have much confidence in the pitcher and his 4.64 ERA. Koji Uehara earned his 25th save using 17 pitches to strike out two and allow one hit.

The defense was on their toes this afternoon and the offense was just strong enough to get the win. More specifically, the first third of the line up was strong enough. Hitters four through nine combined for exactly zero hits and 13 strike outs! Dustin Pedroia had two hits. Brock Holt and Pedroia scored when Yoenis Cespedes homered in the eighth inning, his first for Boston.

Next, the Red Sox go to Cincinnati to play three games versus the Reds.