Los Angeles @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 8, 2013 ) LA Angels 2, Boston 7

The Boston Red Sox finally figured out a way to beat the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. They will be looking to carry that success over to the rubber game when the host the Angels in the finale of a three-game series on Sunday. The Red Sox got a home run and three RBIs from David Ortiz and a strong start from Clay Buchholz in the back end of Saturday’s doubleheader to snap a nine-game losing streak against Los Angeles.

The Angels have dropped six of their last eight games overall but had seemed to break out of their collective offensive funk with a 9-5 win in the doubleheader opener on Saturday. Instead, Los Angeles went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position in the nightcap and failed to eclipse four runs for the ninth time in 11 contests. Boston leads the majors in runs and is getting stronger with the return of Shane Victorino to the lineup.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), NESN (Boston), TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Joe Blanton (1-9, 5.53 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Ryan Dempster (3-6, 4.39)

Blanton got off to a rough start in his return to the American League but has been better of late, putting together three consecutive quality starts. His best outing of the season came last time out, when the burly right-hander struck out 11 and did not walk a batter while holding the Houston Astros to two runs on three hits over eight innings in a tough-luck loss. Blanton is 3-4 with a 5.21 ERA in 11 career starts against Boston.

Dempster snapped a five-start winless streak on Tuesday by holding the Texas Rangers to three runs on five hits in seven innings. The veteran right-hander got his command under control with only one walk in that turn after issuing 13 free passes in his previous three outings. Dempster made three starts against Los Angeles last season and did not fare well, going 0-2 with an 11.20 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia and 3B Jose Iglesias have each hit safely in 12 straight games.

2. Los Angeles OF Brad Hawpe made his first start in the majors since 2011 on Saturday and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts while making an error in left field.

3. Boston CF Jacoby Ellsbury stole two more bases on Saturday to boost his AL-leading total to 23.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Angels 5