MLB: Boston 9, LA Angels 8

BOSTON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- A bases-loaded single by Alex Gonzalez with two out in the ninth inning Wednesday rallied Boston to a wild 9-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Los Angeles let a lead get away three times, allowing the Red Sox to extend their winning streak to seven games.

Boston remained 6 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East and moved 6 1/2 games in front of Texas in the wild-card race. The Angels stayed six games ahead of the Rangers in the AL West.

Los Angeles lost leads of 3-0, 7-5 and 8-7. After the Angels took a one-run advantage in the top of the ninth on an RBI single by Bobby Abreu, the Red Sox came back for two runs off closer Brian Fuentes (1-5) in the bottom half of the inning.

Fuentes retired the first two batters, then walked David Ortiz and gave up infield singles to J.D. Drew and Jed Lowrie.

Pinch-hitter Nick Green worked a walk to force in the tying run and Gonzalez followed with a single on a 1-2 pitch. The ball fell in front of left fielder Juan Rivera.

Boston overcame its 3-0 deficit with a five-run sixth in which Jason Bay and Gonzalez each hit two-run singles.

Daniel Bard (2-1), who gave up two hits and a run in the top of the ninth, picked up the win.