Recap: Boston vs. LA Angels
Sports Network | October 06, 2008
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Erick Aybar singled in Mike Napoli in the 12th inning to boost the Angels to a 5-4 win over the Red Sox, as Los Angeles remained alive in its American League Division Series.
The Angels, who also broke an 11-game postseason skid against Boston, still trail the best-of-five series, 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday night, again at Fenway Park. A deciding Game 5, if necessary, would be Wednesday in Anaheim.
Mike Napoli homered twice, and his single to left field started the 12th inning rally against Javier Lopez (0-1). Howie Kendrick put down a successful sacrifice bunt. Aybar's first hit of the series then came at the perfect time, as the shortstop reached out on an 0-2 pitch to loop the ball into shallow center field, scoring Napoli easily.
Jered Weaver (1-0) walked David Ortiz to start the bottom of the 12th, but Kevin Youkilis flied out to center, Jason Bay struck out, and Alex Cora grounded out sharply to third, ending the 5-hour, 19-minute marathon. It was the longest game in ALDS history.
Chone Figgins had three hits and scored for the Angels, who left 16 men on base.
Jacoby Ellsbury was credited with a rare three-run single for the defending World Series champions, who had won their previous nine postseason contests since losing to Cleveland in Game 4 of the 2007 ALCS. Also, Boston's 11 straight postseason wins over the Angels was a major league record for consecutive playoff victories for one team versus a single opponent.
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