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Aybar's Three-Run Triple Sends Streaking Halos Over BoSox

POSTED: 7:49 pm EDT July 19, 2008

(Sports Network) - Erick Aybar's pinch-hit, three-run triple sent the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over the Boston Red Sox, 4-2, in the middle test of a three-game set.

Vladimir Guerrero added a solo homer for the Angels, who have won four straight and five of their last six to lead the majors with 59 victories.

Jose Arredondo (4-0) remained unbeaten on the year, notching the win by retiring one batter. Starter Joe Saunders was solid, yielding just six hits and a pair of runs over 6 2/3 frames.

Kevin Youkilis smacked a two-run home run for the Red Sox, who have dropped two in a row. Josh Beckett (9-6) recorded the fifth complete game of his career but lost by allowing nine hits and four runs with six strikeouts and a walk.

The Angels finally broke through against Beckett and took the lead with a four-run seventh inning.

Guerrero's leadoff shot made it 2-1. Torii Hunter and Garret Anderson both singled, and after pinch-hitter Reggie Willits' sacrifice bunt advanced the runners, a walk to Howie Kendrick loaded the bases. Aybar then cleared the bases with a triple just inside the right-field line.

"My manager told me I had to be ready for anything," said Aybar. "He (Beckett) threw me a changeup. The only thing I was thinking was that I should run as fast as I could."

Boston loaded the bases against Scot Shields in the eighth, but failed to gain ground. Francisco Rodriguez allowed a single to Dustin Pedroia and walked J.D. Drew in the ninth, but hung on to record his big-league best 39th save.

"We created opportunities but we didn't get the big hit to cash in," noted Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

In the second, the Sox picked up a pair of runs as Manny Ramirez stroked a leadoff double and scored two batters later on Youkilis' 17th home run of the season.

Beckett was in control from the start, retiring 10 in a row from the first until a Maicer Izturis one-out infield single in the fourth.

The Angels finally got a runner to third in the sixth inning, as Chone Figgins doubled with one down and advanced on a wild pitch. However, the Sox ace got Casey Kotchman looking and induced a fly out by Izturis.

Game Notes

The Angels have won four of the five meetings thus far...Youkilis' 17 homers established a new career high. He has gone deep four times in the last six games...Boston has lost nine of its last 11 contests on the road...In the series finale on Sunday, the Angels send Jon Garland (8-6) to the mound to oppose Red Sox veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (6-6).

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Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox appear poised for another playoff trip, but it remains to be seen as to whether ace pitcher Josh Beckett will be able to showcase his customary outstanding postseason form.


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