Manny's HR Boosts Red Sox to 2-0 Series Lead

Oct 06, 01:15 AM

Current Headlines:

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Manny Ramirez's crushing three-run homer off Francisco Rodriguez with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning catapulted Boston to a 6-3 win over the Angels, giving the Red Sox a commanding lead after two games of their American League Division Series.

Julio Lugo singled, and ran to second as Dustin Pedroia grounded out to begin the ninth against Justin Speier (0-1). Rodriguez struck out Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz was intentionally walked. Ramirez then clubbed a 1-0 pitch over the Green Monster.

The hit, out of Fenway Park, put Boston on the brink of sweeping the Angels in the playoffs for a second straight time. Boston swept them in the ALDS in 2004, on the way to their first World Series title since 1918.

Jonathan Papelbon (1-0) threw 1 1/3 innings for the victory.

Angels left fielder Vladimir Guerrero left the game with a contusion to his left shoulder. He was hit by a pitch from Manny Delcarmen in the seventh inning and was taken out in the eighth.

Daisuke Matsuzaka surrendered seven hits and three runs over 4 2/3 innings in the start for Boston, while Kelvim Escobar was charged with four hits and three runs over five frames for the Angels. Escobar also walked five batters.

Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday at 3:07 p.m. (et) in Anaheim. Curt Schilling is slated to start for the Red Sox, while Jered Weaver pitches for the Angels.

10/06 01:01:10 ET