BOSTON — Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run homer and Rafael Devers had a solo shot as the Boston Red Sox beat Los Angeles 4-2 on Thursday night, completing a season sweep of the Angels for the first time since they joined the American League as an expansion club in 1961.

Boston outscored Los Angeles 49-12 while taking all six games, which according to the Red Sox is the first six-game season sweep in club history.

The Red Sox have won four straight and 6 of 7 as they head to New York to open three-game series between the rivals on Friday night with first place in the AL East on the line. Boston has a one-game lead, but has played four more games than New York.

Hector Velazquez (6-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit and striking out three. Craig Kimbrel earned his 24th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Andrelton Simmons hit a solo homer and Albert Pujols had an RBI single for the Angels, who have lost six straight.

Los Angeles was up 1-0 until Devers led off the fifth with his 13th homer, to center off of Jamie Barria (5-4).

Advertisement

Barria was pulled after giving up a one-out walk to J.D. Martinez with one out in the sixth and the score still tied 1-1. Jose Alvarez gave up a double to Mitch Moreland, with Martinez moving to third. Xander Bogaerts was then walked intentionally to load the bases, and Brock Holt drew a walk to drive in Martinez for Boston’s first lead. Alvarez then got Devers to ground into a double play to end the inning.

Barria was charged with two runs on four hits and two walks, striking out two over 51/3 innings.

Bradley’s homer, his sixth, in the seventh pushed Boston’s lead to 4-1.

The Angels picked up a run in the eighth off of Joe Kelly, who walked Trout to start the inning followed by back-to-back singles by Upton and Pujols. Both were still on first and second with one out when Andrew Benintendi made a catch that kept Los Angeles from tying it. Fletcher hit a hard shot to left that was headed to the Green Monster until Benintendi ran it down and reached behind him and caught the ball just before it could hit the scoreboard. Red Sox fans gave Benintendi a standing ovation before Chris Young flew out to center to end the inning.

NOTES: The Red Sox announced a deal after the game, acquiring first baseman/outfielder Steve Pearce and cash from Toronto for minor league infielder Santiago Espinal. Espinal was pulled from Thursday night’s Salem game after one plate appearance, snapping a 15-game hitting streak


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.