A six-run seventh inning, punctuated by a three-run double from Adrian Gonzalez, gave the Boston Red Sox a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park, in the opening game of a four-game series in Boston. The late rally broke open a close game, in what was really a pitchers' duel between Jered Weaver and Clay Buchholz. The key at-bat of the game came in the fifth inning.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Dustin Pedroia fouled off nine pitches in a 13-pitch battle with Weaver, a battle that ultimately ended in a two-run single by Pedroia and a 2-1 Angels' lead turned into a 3-2 deficit. Weaver, who was scratched Sunday with a stomach virus, allowed three runs in his six innings of work, and was hung with the loss.
Buchholz was also sick, and scratched, on Sunday, but picked up the win Monday night with by allowing two runs in his 6 2/3 innings. David Ortiz had two hits, including his third home run of the season, a two-run shot off Francisco Rodriguez in the fateful seventh inning. Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits, two stolen bases, and scored three runs for Boston in the win.
Vernon Wells hit a home run, his second of the season. The Angels pounded out 12 hits on the night, including two hits apiece from the top four hitter in the lineup. The Angels are 0-5 against the Red Sox this season. Tuesday's second game of the series provides a great pitching matchup, with Dan Haren facing Jon Lester.
Monday night's 4:10 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.