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3 improvements to make for the Angels to get a better outcome against the Red Sox

By Zachary Rotman |
Los Angeles Angels v Boston Red Sox
Los Angeles Angels v Boston Red Sox / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/GettyImages
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The Los Angeles Angels prepare to open a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox in Anaheim. Boston has surprised many with a 26-21 record, and just took two of three in San Diego.

The Angels played in Boston in April, and things couldn't have gone much worse. They lost three games in which they should have won. This could come back to bite the Angels as Boston looks like a Wild Card contender just like the Angels.

There were several factors as to why the Angels lost three of the four games they played in Boston. They must improve in these areas to beat Boston this time around.

1) Keys for the LA Angels to beat the Red Sox: Play sound defense

Defense has been a huge issue for the Angels this season. They've committed a ton of errors and have allowed more unearned runs than anybody. This was very clear in that weekend series at Fenway Park.

The first game was the Anthony Rendon poor defensive game. He made two awful throws which led to four Boston runs. They won that game 5-3. Luis Rengifo committed an error in that game as well.

In the second game, it was Matt Thaiss' turn. He committed not one, but two catcher's interferences which helped Boston take that game by a slim two-run margin.

Angels pitchers allowed a total of six unearned runs in those two losses alone. It's obviously very hard to win games, let alone a series, when you play such horrific defense. The Angels took two of three against the Twins, thanks in large part to their defense. The only error they committed was in the game they lost. The only game they won in the Red Sox series was in a game Boston committed three errors. These errors can often change the outcome of any given game.

2) Keys for the LA Angels to beat the Red Sox: Hit with RISP

The Angels were one of the worst teams in all of baseball at hitting with runners in scoring position to begin the season. They'd get a solid amount of guys on base, but would be unable to secure the big hit.

The Angels are now 14th with a 102 WRC+ with runners in scoring position and are tenth with a .246 average in those big spots. One of their better hitters with runners in scoring position, Anthony Rendon, is out for this series, but the Halos have more than enough to score runs against a poor Boston pitching staff.

Their struggles with runners in scoring position were extremely prevalent in Boston. In the first game, Hunter Renfroe hit a two-run double with runners on first and second to give the Angels a 2-0 lead in the first inning. This would be their only hit with runners in scoring position all night.

The Angels had first and second with two outs in the third, Hunter Renfroe grounded out. First and second nobody out in the fourth, three straight outs. First and second one out in the fifth, double play. First and second nobody out in the sixth were followed by a double play and a pop out. The Angels did score one run with second and third nobody out in the seventh, but couldn't come up with a hit. First and second one out in the eighth, nothing.

The Angels had a runner in scoring position in seven of the nine innings played, mostly with fewer than two outs, and managed just three runs. The defense faltered, but the bats could not come up with a big hit whatsoever and was also a huge reason they lost that night.

The Angels went 1-for-10 in the final game of the series, but won that one thanks in large part to some great pitching with Shohei Ohtani done after just two frames. It goes without saying that this will have to improve for them to stay with Boston's elite offense.

3) Keys for the LA Angels to beat the Red Sox: Limit Rafael Devers

This one is a lot more on gameplanning than the actual game on the field. Do not let Rafael Devers beat you.

The Angels did not listen last time they played Boston and allowed Devers to hit home runs in each of the first two games of that series. Devers only had four hits in the four games, but three of them were for extra bases and two of them left the ballpark. They must contain him.

The Red Sox have a very good lineup, but Devers is in a stratosphere alone. His .253/.296/.533 slash line isn't what you'd expect from a player of his caliber, but the talent is undeniable. His 13 home runs are second in the AL and fourth in all of baseball. His 44 RBI are second in the AL and in all of baseball.

Devers has been an all-star in each of the last two seasons while putting up elite offensive numbers. Letting someone else beat you will go a long way.

Boston has talent and will absolutely score runs against this questionable Angels staff, but Devers is the centerpiece of their elite offense. If the Angels can hold him, while also coming through on their end, they've got a shot.

Next. 5 Angels players the fans are losing their patience with. dark

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