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Angels Beat Sox in 12 Innings

The bases were loaded with two outs in the top of the 12th inning. David Ortiz was at the plate. He had zero home runs to that point in the season, and sent a ball to the warning track earlier in the game. He was due for a big hit, but all he needed was a single to give the Red Sox the lead. Instead of all that, Big Papi hit a slow rolling ground ball toward third base and was thrown out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 12th inning, Manny Delcarmen came on for the Red Sox in relief of Jonathan Papelbon. After Brad Penny (6.1 IP, 4 ER) left in the seventh inning, the Sox bullpen was strong, including 2.2 hitless innings from Ramon Ramirez. The Angels finally broke the bullpen, as Delcarmen allowed two hits and the game-winning run in a 5-4 Angels victory.

Sox Stud of the Game

Julio Lugo, SS: Lugo had easily his best game this season, going 5-6 with a run scored, a stolen base, and an RBI to raise his average to .349. Now, if he can figure out how to use his glove, Lugo could be a nifty No. 9 hitter.

Sox Dud of the Game

David Ortiz, “DH”: OK, maybe that was mean. He’s still this team’s designated “hitter,” but he had one of his worst games as a Red Sox, definitely. He finished 0-7 with three strikeouts, and 11 men left on base. He had many chances to send the Sox home with a series win, but he didn’t deliver. This will be the game people point to when they discuss Ortiz and “the decline.”

Game Notes

W: Jason Bulger (1-1)
L: Manny Delcarmen (1-1)

• Ervin Santana made his first start for the Angels this season, and allowed three runs in five innings.
• Former Sox pitcher Darren Oliver, who’s somehow still in MLB, tossed two scoreless innings.
• Dustin Pedroia went 4-6 with a run and a clutch tying RBI in the eighth inning.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Brad Penny, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Ervin Santana, Julio Lugo, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Red Sox