Willson Contreras and Romy Gonzalez each hit home runs to support pitcher Sonny Gray as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels 8-1 on Saturday night at Angel Stadium. Gray delivered a strong performance, allowing one run and four hits over six innings, while the Red Sox bullpen provided three hitless innings to secure the win.
Gray, now 10-1 on the season, struck out seven batters and walked one. The 36-year-old right-hander has been dominant in recent starts, posting six consecutive quality outings since May 30 and compiling a 5-0 record with a 1.97 ERA over that span. Despite leading the American League in wins and ranking second with a 2.61 ERA, Gray was not selected for the All-Star team announced the same day.
The Red Sox jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning when Contreras launched his 19th home run, a 421-foot drive to left-center. The Angels responded in the second inning with a solo home run by Josh Lowe that cut the deficit to 3-1. However, Gray managed to escape a two-on, one-out jam in the second by striking out Donovan Walton and Tyler Heineman.
Angels starter Sam Aldegheri, who fell to 3-4, was effective through four innings but was replaced due to a rising pitch count. Left-hander Samy Natera Jr. entered and gave up additional runs. Boston extended its lead in the fifth frame as Wilyer Abreu hit a two-run double to the right-field wall, making it 5-1. Gonzalez followed with his first home run of the season, a 368-foot blast over the short left-field wall, pushing the lead to 7-1. Ceddanne Rafaela added an RBI single in the eighth inning to finalize the score.
The blowout marked the Angels' fifth consecutive loss and extended a rough stretch in which they have dropped 11 of 17 games since mid-June. Boston improved to 39-48 with the victory, winning seven of their last nine games.
For Sunday’s series finale, the Red Sox will start left-hander Ranger Suarez (4-3, 2.94 ERA) against Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson (1-3, 7.40).
Before the game, Contreras spoke about his recent involvement in two bench-clearing incidents against the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals. He issued a public apology for his conduct during those confrontations, which resulted in a seven-game suspension he is currently appealing.
Contreras explained that the events occurred during an emotional time and expressed regret that the situations escalated. The most recent incident began after Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli shouted at Contreras following a strikeout, prompting Contreras to throw his helmet and approach the mound. Both dugouts and bullpens emptied, heightening tensions.
Reflecting on the week’s challenges, which also included serious earthquakes in his native Venezuela, Contreras appeared emotional, emphasizing the toll the events have taken on him. He pledged to demonstrate his character through his actions on the field moving forward.