The Los Angeles Angels broke a tie in the 10th inning when Zach Neto scored on Taylor Ward’s bases-loaded double play, lifting the visitors to a 4-3 win over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night at Fenway Park. The win gave the Angels back-to-back victories for the first time since their eight-game winning streak ended on May 23.
With automatic runner Neto placed at second base to begin the 10th, the Angels executed a sacrifice bunt by Nolan Schanuel, mishandled by Red Sox reliever Zack Kelly, allowing Neto to advance to third. Mike Trout drew a walk to load the bases, and Ward ground into a double play that erased Trout and Ward but allowed Neto to cross home plate for the decisive run.
Kenley Jansen (1-2) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn the win for the Angels, while Reid Detmers closed the game in the 10th to secure his first career save. Detmers became just the third pitcher in Angels franchise history to record a no-hitter and a save, joining Nolan Ryan and Mike Witt since the statistic was officially recognized in 1969.
Schanuel played a key role early, recording two RBIs on the night. Neto contributed offensively with two hits and a run batted in, helping the Angels sustain pressure on Boston’s pitching staff throughout the game.
The Red Sox had an opportunity to win in regulation after rallying from a two-run deficit. In the sixth inning, with Los Angeles holding a 3-1 lead, Trevor Story drew a leadoff walk. Ceddanne Rafaela capitalized, driving an 89 mph slider from Yusei Kikuchi over the Green Monster for a two-run home run that tied the game 3-3. It was Rafaela’s second and third RBIs, providing a rare offensive spark for a Boston team that has lost eight of its last ten games.
Kikuchi pitched into the sixth inning for the Angels, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out five. His performance included a personal milestone as he recorded his 900th career major league strikeout. Brayan Bello countered for Boston, delivering one of his more consistent outings in recent weeks by completing six innings and surrendering three runs on seven hits. The start ended a five-game stretch in which he failed to pitch beyond the fifth.
The loss dropped Boston to 6-17 in one-run games this season, a concerning trend as the club struggles to close out tightly contested matchups. The Red Sox bullpen could not hold the tie in extra innings, and the offense could not capitalize with their own automatic runner in the bottom of the 10th.
The series concludes Wednesday with José Soriano (4-5, 3.41 ERA) scheduled to start for the Angels against Lucas Giolito (1-1, 4.78 ERA) for the Red Sox. Betting lines for the finale are expected to reflect the recent inconsistencies in both rotations, with the Red Sox seeking to avoid a series sweep at home.
