With 54 games in the win column, a first place spot in the AL East, the AL’s best record and the second best in the league, the Red Sox have been cruising. In the first game of a West Coast fling, the Sox beat the Angels 6-2 and take them on again in the second game of the series Saturday night.
Boston, again, outhit its opponent, this time more than doubling the count. The Angels managed six hits, while the Red Sox put away 13. That included a pinch-hit home run off the bat of David Ortiz.
Ryan Dempster gets the start for Boston Saturday night, coming off of a 5 1/3-inning performance against the Blue Jays. Dempster allowed two earned runs on seven hits his last time out and is looking for his fourth win of the season.
His counterpart, Jerome Williams, is heading to the mound on three days rest after a shaky performance on Wednesday. Williams gave up seven runs in the second inning against the Cardinals and was pulled from the game before the frame ended. The Angels couldn’t get out of the hole and lost, 12-2.
The Red Sox’ heating offense will test Williams from the first pitch on, especially with their shortstop batting over .400. Jose Iglesias has been instrumental to Boston’s recent dominance, as he is hitting .410. Although he only has 11 RBIs and one home run, his 59 hits show he is able to get in position for the top of the lineup to drive him home.
Check out the starting lineups below.
Los Angeles Angels (41-45)
J.B. Shuck, LF
Mike Trout, CF
Albert Pujols, 1B
Josh Hamilton, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Mark Trumbo, DH
Erick Aybar, SS
Chris Ianneta, C
Brendan Harris, 3B
Jerome Williams, RHP
Boston Red Sox (54-34)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Brock Holt, 3B
Jose Iglesias, SS
Ryan Dempster, RHP
