MLB: LA Angels 4, Boston 3

BOSTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Howie Kendrick singled in the go-ahead run in the ninth Friday and the Los Angeles Angels ended Boston's seven-game winning streak by downing the Red Sox 4-3.

Boston had won its 10 previous home contests and took a 3-1 lead through four innings.

The Angels closed within one on an RBI double by Chone Figgins in the fifth, then tied the game in the seventh on a fluke play that also involved Figgins.

Kendrick was on third base when Figgins swung and missed at what appeared to be a third strike thrown by Josh Beckett. The ball sailed past catcher Jason Varitek, however, allowing Figgins to reach first base and Kendrick to come in with the tying run.

The score was still tied at 3-3 going into the ninth, but Juan Rivera drew a lead-off walk off Billy Wagner (1-1), moved to second on a sacrifice and scored on Kendrick's single to right.

Kevin Jepsen (6-3) worked 1 1/3 innings of relief to get the win. Brian Fuentes collected his 42nd save.

The Angels halted a three-game skid and increased their lead over idle Texas to 6 1/2 games in the American League West. Boston is six games ahead of Texas in the AL wild-card race.