Boston @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 5, 2013 ) Boston 6, LA Angels 2

The Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation was the weak link on the team last season but has really started to become a force in the middle of the 2013 campaign. The Red Sox will be aiming for their fifth straight quality start when they send Ryan Dempster to the mound at the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. Boston has allowed a total of 10 runs during its five-game winning streak.

The Angels entered the three-game series riding a hot streak with wins in eight of their previous nine but could not solve the Red Sox’s pitching in a 6-2 setback. Los Angeles has lost three of four to Boston this season and had some of the fielding and mental errors that plagued the team during a slow start crop up again Friday. The Red Sox have won nine of their last 10 games and lead the majors with 54 wins.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, New England Sports Network (Boston), Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Ryan Dempster (5-8, 4.11 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jerome Williams (5-4, 3.89)

Dempster was the last Boston starter to not last long enough for a quality start, when he allowed two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against Toronto on Sunday. The veteran right-hander has surrendered three or fewer runs in his last seven starts. Dempster went six innings to earn a win over Los Angeles on June 9, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out six.

Williams recorded only five outs and threw 55 pitches in a loss to St. Louis on Wednesday, leaving him fresh enough to start again on two days’ rest. The right-hander gave up seven runs on four hits and four walks in that turn. Williams came on in relief at Boston on June 8 and was knocked around for three runs on five hits in three innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox CF Jacoby Ellsbury has hit in 15 straight games and stole his major-league leading 34th base Friday.

2. Los Angeles RF Josh Hamilton has hit in 10 straight games, raising his average from .207 to .227.

3. Boston RHP Clay Buchholz (neck) has been ruled out until after the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Angels 4