C.J. Wilson will try to build off of his most recent start on Monday night as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim begin a four-game series with the Boston Red Sox.
Wilson struggled in his first two starts after missing almost a month due to injury, allowing 10 runs over just seven total innings in a pair of losses.
However, the lefty picked up his first victory since June 24 on Tuesday, a 7-2 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks over 6 2/3 innings.
Wilson, 33, is 9-8 with a 4.71 earned run average this season. He is 5-3 with three saves and a 2.70 ERA in 21 lifetime meetings with the Red Sox, including nine starts.
The Angels were stunned 3-2 by the Texas Rangers on Sunday, with closer Huston Street giving up a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Los Angeles had its four-game winning streak ended and lost to the Rangers for the first time in the last 10 meetings. That left the Angels in a virtual tie with the Oakland Athletics atop the AL West.
Boston, meanwhile, is last in the AL East but lost for just the second time in seven games when it was bested 8-1 by Houston on Sunday.
The Astros' Jose Altuve hit a grand slam during a six-run second inning, one that appeared to be over on a double play. However, the frame was extended when replay showed that Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts had thrown the ball to first before touching second base.
With the runner at second ruled safe, Robbie Grossman then walked and Altuve followed with a drive to the seats atop the Green Monster in left field.
Boston manager John Farrell, already not happy that Houston was allowed to challenge the play, came out to argue once more and was ejected by first base umpire Doug Eddings.
Boston had its chances, but finished 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, while Joe Kelly had a rough home debut as he was charged with seven runs while walking a career-high six batters over four innings.
"Today was one of those days where I wasn't able to command my fastball and they made me pay for it," Kelly said.
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who turned 31 on Sunday, missed the game with flu-like symptoms. Brock Holt played second in Pedroia's absence and extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a leadoff single in the first inning.
Right-hander Brandon Workman will start tonight's game for the Red Sox and has lost his last six appearances. The righty dropped five straight starts before having a start skipped, though that didn't prevent him from taking a loss in relief on Aug. 9 versus the Angels.
Workman pitched the 19th and final inning of a marathon between the clubs, giving up a walk-off home run to Albert Pujols.
"I was just looking for a pitch to hit," said Pujols. "I was trying to get a base hit to start something. I got a pitch to hit and I put my best swing on it."
Pujols' homer dropped the 26-year-old Workman to 1-6 with a 4.45 ERA on the year. Workman was making his first career appearance versus the Angels.
The Red Sox did win two of three in that series out west.
[SportsNetwork.com]
