Red Sox Swept by Angels

After starting their first west coast road trip of 2023 with a series victory in San Diego, the Boston Red Sox were swept by the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game set. The disappointing series continues an up-and-down first two months of the season for Boston. In their last 12 games, the Red Sox have lost four straight, then won four straight, and have now lost four straight again. Following a day off on Thursday, the Red Sox finished their road trip in Arizona this weekend.

Photo Cred: Over the Monster

Boston was held to just four runs in the whole series, which is very uncharacteristic as they have scored the fourth most runs in MLB this season. The series ended with a 7-3 Angels win on Wednesday, with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani homering. James Paxton made the third start in his Red Sox career and struggled, going just three innings while allowing five runs to cross the plate.

Photo Cred: Over the Monster

Garrett Whitlock is expected to return from injury in Arizona. Red Sox Manager Alex Cora has finally set his five-man starting rotation. He announced on Wednesday that Corey Kluber would move to the bullpen, joining Nick Pivetta, who recently made the same switch. The rotation will allow each starter to pitch more and potentially settle into their spot.

The series started on Monday with a 2-1 Angels win. It was thanks to a go-ahead home run hit by Mickey Moniak in the 8th inning. The Red Sox offense mustered just four hits, two provided by Masataka Yoshida. The offensive showing spoiled a brilliant outing from the starting pitcher. Tanner Houck threw six innings and allowed just three hits and one run.

Photo Cred: Over the Monster

Tuesday’s game finished with a similar story for the Red Sox. The Angels won 4-0, while the Red Sox recorded only two base hits. Griffin Canning threw seven scoreless innings in the victory for the Angels. It was just the second time the Red Sox have been shut out in 50 games in 2023.