Shohei Ohtani hit a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Los Angeles Angels rallied past the Boston Red Sox 6-5 Sunday, ending a four-game losing streak.
Boston closer Matt Barnes (1-1) retired the first two batters in the ninth before giving up a bloop single to Mike Trout.
Ohtani followed with his major league high-tying 12th home run, tucked just inside the Pesky Pole in right field. It was Ohtani's second homer of the series and stopped Boston's three-game winning string.
Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani follows through on a fly out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Boston. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
Raisel Iglesias (2-2) pitched a scoreless eighth and Mike Mayers recorded his second save of the season.
Drew Butera's two-run single capped a four-run second off Nathan Eovaldi that put the Angels ahead 4-0.
Rafael Devers hit a three-run drive and Kevin Plawecki hit his first homer in a four-run fifth that gave Boston a 5-4 lead.
Los Angeles Angels' Mike Mayers reacts after striking out Boston Red Sox's Michael Chavis to end the baseball game during the ninth inning, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Boston. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
Eovaldi allowed four runs with six strikeouts in five innings. Angels starter Jose Quintana gave up three runs in 4 1/3 innings, striking out seven.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Angels: Ohtani’s next pitching start has been pushed back a day, to Tuesday against Cleveland, because of fatigue. ... OF Justin Upton was not in the lineup. Manager Joe Maddon said it was a scheduled day of rest… INF David Fletcher was not in the starting lineup because he is dealing with what Maddon called an issue in the groin/hip area…RHP Alex Cobb (right middle finger blister) is progressing and could return later in the week.
Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers rounds the bases on his three-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Boston. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
Red Sox: RHP Garrett Whitlock was reinstated Sunday from the COVID-19-related injured list. ... OF/INF Kiké Hernandez continues to rehab from a right hamstring strain. He played center field for Triple-A Worcester Sunday, recording five RBIs on two homers, including the first grand slam in the history of the team’s new park. ... INF Christian Arroyo (left hand contusion) was scheduled to hit off a tee on Sunday with a plan to take batting practice by Wednesday. ... Manager Alex Cora said OF/INF Danny Santana (severe right foot infection in spring training) is “almost there.”
UP NEXT
Angels: Open a 10-game homestand Monday, facing Cleveland for the first time this season. LHP Patrick Sandoval (0-0, 6.14 ERA) is scheduled to make his first start of the season, limited to 60-65 pitches after throwing 40 pitches in a two-inning relief appearance May 12. Indians rookie LHP Sam Hentges (1-0, 3.29 ERA) is scheduled to make his sixth career appearance, second career start.
Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Boston. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
Red Sox: After an off-day Monday, Boston faces Toronto for the start of a six-game road trip. Boston LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (5-1, 4.15 ERA) and Toronto LHP Hyun Jin Ryu (3-2, 2.95) are scheduled to face off for the second time this season. Rodriguez earned the win on April 20 at Boston, with six strikeouts in six innings, while Ryu took the loss, allowing four runs in five innings.
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