Rookie Matt Shoemaker didn't allow a hit through 6 2-3 innings and the Los Angeles Angels held on for a 2-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, completing a four-game sweep at Fenway Park.
Shoemaker (12-4) struck out nine and held the Red Sox to one hit over 7 2-3 innings before a two-out walk to Mookie Betts in the eighth ended his night. It was the only walk of the night for Shoemaker, who struck out nine. Jason Grilli pitched the ninth for his 12th save of the season and first with the Angels since coming to Los Angeles in a deal with Pittsburgh on June 27.
The Angels have won four straight and eight of nine, taking a two-game lead over the A's into this weekend's series at Oakland.
Josh Hamilton hit an RBI double in the first and Kole Calhoun hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh for Los Angeles' only other run. It was all the offense the Angels needed as Shoemaker danced with a no-hit bid into the seventh inning. Will Middlebrooks broke it up on a two-out double to left in the seventh for Boston, which lost its fifth straight.
Rubby De La Rosa (4-5) pitched 6 2-3 innings, allowing two runs eight hits and getting himself out of a couple of jams as he tied his career high with eight strikeouts. Boston was able to cut off potential rallies for the Angels in the first and seventh, holding them to run in each and staying within reach throughout Shoemaker's no-hit bid.
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia and 1B Albert Pujols were ejected in the sixth inning.
TRAINING ROOM
Angels: The Angels will be without starter Garrett Richards, who is out for the season with a tear in his left patellar tendon, an injury that occurred Wednesday while covering first on a potential double play. The Angels selected the contract of left-hander Wade LeBlanc, from Triple-A Salt Lake and placed Richards on the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster.
Angels expect Richards to return, but focus turns to remaining slate
Red Sox: LF Yoenis Cespedes left the game after three innings for an undisclosed personal reason, the Red Sox said. Boston activated Allen Craig (sprained left foot) from the 15-day disabled list and started him at 1B Thursday night.
UP NEXT
Angels: LHP Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.46 ERA) gets the start in the AL West showdown as the Angels open a weekend series at second-place Oakland.
Red Sox: RHP Joe Kelly (0-1, 5.2 9) tries again in his second start at Fenway Park as a member of the Red Sox when they open a weekend series against Seattle. Kelly was tagged for seven run on seven hits in four innings Sunday in a loss to the Houston Astros.
