About the only thing that went right for the Red Sox over the weekend was that nobody got hurt. Their feelings, and spot in the standings are another story after the Los Angeles Angels sent the Red Sox to their third painful loss in a row with a 5-3 victory last night.The sweep by the Angels, their first over the Red Sox in seven years, left the Sox 1 games behind the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, who also lost. But there was little forward progress made by the Sox in the series, as the Angels consistently outplayed them. Outscored, 20-8, and out-hit, 30-19, in the three games by the AL West leaders, the Sox watched the loss in the finale unfold before their eyes late. Entering the eighth inning, Sox starter Tim Wakefield had allowed just two runs on four hits and was trying to protect a thin 3-2 lead. The advantage went from svelte to zilch in the blink of an eye. Back-to-back doubles from Juan Rivera and Howie Kendrick tied the game. A two-run double by Casey Kotchman off Manny Delcarmen brought out the brooms.
The Red Sox have now lost five in a row on the road, 10 of their last 12 and have a 21-32 overall mark when they stray from Fenway Park. Manager Terry Francona said he had no plans yet to shake up the lineup to provide a spark. Until designated hitter David Ortiz rejoins the team, which is expected Friday back at Fenway, the Red Sox will have to ride this one out.
Nation Notes: David Aardsma was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday because of a groin injury. Rookie Justin Masterson was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace him. Top pitching prospect Michael Bowden, is scheduled to make his Triple A debut tonight for Pawtucket. Bowden has been on the DL with a strained calf. Bowden was 9-4 with a 2.33 ERA in 19 starts this season for Portland and was named to the Eastern League All-Star team. Jon Lester, who hasn’t pitched since July 8, draws the start tonight against Seattle. Lester, leads the Sox staff with 125 innings.
