The Angels rallied for three in the eighth while K-Rod went on for his league leading 40th save to give the Angels a 5-3 win and series sweep of Boston, their first of the Red Sox in Anaheim since 1998.
The Angels struck first with two in the second with solo homeruns by Vlad and Torii Hunter. Vlad is now 8 for 19 lifetime against Tim Wakefield, with 5 of those hits being longballs. Boston then tied it in the third and took a one-run lead in the seventh, but the Angels rallied for three runs in the eighth to take the lead. Juan Rivera led off with a double and pinch runner Reggie Willits was driven home by Howie Kendrick’s double to tie it. Kendrick moved to third on Jeff Mathis’ bunt and runners were on the corners for Casey Kotchman when Chone Figgins walked. Kotchman ripped a double to right field to score Kendrick and Figgins for the go-ahead runs.
Jon Garland held the Red Sox to three runs (two earned) on six hits through 6 2/3. Garland gave the Sox two runs in the third off a couple singles and a double to Manny Ramirez. Garland then shut the Sox down until the eighth when Coco Crisp (who walked then stole second) scored an unearned run after Vlad misfielded Jacoby Ellsbury’s double. Darren Oliver finished the inning for the win before K-Rod struck out all three batters in the ninth for his 40th save, the fastest closer to reach 40 saves in history (98 games).
The Angels continue their homestand by hosting the Indians for a three-game series beginning tonight. Ervin Santana will face Paul Byrd. Santana got a win against the A’s in his last start and also threw in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Byrd is 3-10 with a 5.47 ERA and is winless since June 6.
