Reid Detmers leads Angels past Red Sox

Detmers tied a career high with 12 strikeouts and the offense scratched out a pair of runs in the sixth inning.

ANAHEIM – Rarely has Reid Detmers been better, a 2022 no-hitter notwithstanding, with the offense finally able to show its appreciation in the later innings Saturday.

Detmers tied a career high with 12 strikeouts and the offense scratched out a pair of runs in the sixth inning as the Angels pulled out a 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

The same Red Sox offense that scored eight runs with nine hits in Friday’s series-opening victory struck out six times in the first two innings against Detmers. It was the fourth time in Detmers’ career he has recorded double-digit strikeouts.

And just when it looked like Boston’s single run in the third inning might befuddle the Angels all night, an unlikely two-out rally in the sixth inning emerged.

The first two Angels hitters went down easily in the sixth against Red Sox right-hander Greg Weissert. Then came an infield single from Luis Rengifo, who was promptly called out on a steal attempt of second base. But for the second time in the game, replay overturned an out call on an Angels steal attempt by second-base umpire Tony Randazzo.

Given new life, Mickey Moniak walked and Zach Neto followed with his own infield single to shortstop when Moniak outraced the throw on a force-out attempt to second base.

With the bases loaded, up came Anthony Rendon, who had delivered just his second hit from the leadoff spot when he singled in the first inning. Redon sent a bouncing ball to Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, who was unable to make the routine play, allowing two runners to score.

For Detmers (2-0), it was his second impressive start of the young season in two tries after he held the Baltimore Orioles to one run over five innings Sunday in the Angels’ first win of the season.

In addition to just one walk allowed, Detmers gave up his lone run in six innings on three hits. In all four outings where Detmers has struck out 10 or more, he has allowed three hits or less. In three of those four he has allowed just a lone run.

Further appreciation for the outing came from the bullpen when Adam Cimber, Matt Moore and Carlos Estevez took down the final nine outs, with Estevez earning his third save in three chances. Angels pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts.

The defense supplied its own tip of the cap when Mike Trout went to the warning track, just in front of the center field wall, to take away an extra-base hit from Jarren Duran for the third out of the eighth inning.

The Angels are now 5-1 since Detmers made his season debut, with his next start in line to come next weekend, when the Angels are in Boston.