The Los Angeles Angels are shooting for first place in the American League West tonight as they take on the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The Angels trail the Texas Rangers by a half game in the division standings with a 16-14 overall record. Tonight's game is scheduled for a 10:05pm ET start.
Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Angels MLB Picks at Sportsbook.com have the Red Sox listed as a +117 road underdog in this evening's game.
The Angels, who were off yesterday, completed a sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon. Just a day after Joe Saunders won a 1-0 pitching duel against Royals ace Zack Greinke, Los Angeles managed to score a mistake filled 4-3 game three victory.
The Angels trailed the majority of the contest but plated three runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead. Kansas City reliever Jamie Wright assisted Mike Scioscia's club by throwing a likely double play ball into center field in the big inning. The Angels were further aided when KC catcher Miguel Olivo dropped a perfect throw to the plate from outfielder Jose Guillen that would have eliminated LA's go-ahead run.
Torii Hunter preserved the win with an unbelieveable ninth inning catch that took a home run away from Olivo. The grab helped closer Brian Fuentes overcome a shaky outing as he allowed a hit and a walk in the inning before getting David DeJesus to ground into a double play to end the game.
Los Angeles will send Jered Weaver to the mound tonight; the right hander will be chasing his fourth win of the season. Weaver is 3-1 in six starts with a stellar 2.66 ERA. The California native had a masterful performance in his last outing, a complete game, 6-1 win against the Blue Jays. Weaver allowed just three hits and one earned run while striking out eight; he did not walk a single batter in the victory.
Boston enters tonight's game with a 20-12 record and in second place in the American League East. They trail Toronto, who starts a three game series with the Yankees tonight, by one game.
The Red Sox, who are 7-8 on the road this season, just completed a five game home stand where they took two out of three from the Rays after splitting a two game set with the Indians.
Terry Francona has called on Justin Masterson to toe the rubber in tonight's matchup. Masterson is 2-2 in four starts with a 5.48 ERA. He played the victim to Cleveland's bats in his last start as the Indians worked him for eight hits and six earned runs in six innings. Boston lost the game 9-2.
Sportsbook.com Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Angels MLB Picks:
Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-180), Over 8.5 (-105), +117 (Moneyline)
Los Angeles Angels -1.5 (+160), Under 8.5 (-115), -127 (Moneyline)
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