Pujols hits 2-run HR to help Angels beat Red Sox 5-2

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer, Hector Santiago survived a rocky five innings to win his sixth consecutive start, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Boston Red Sox 5-2 Saturday night.

Santiago (10-4) has won seven consecutive decisions, but struggled throughout his latest effort, needing 119 pitches to get through five innings. He gave up only four hits, but walked and struck out six.

Drew Pomeranz (8-9) gave up five runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He is now 0-2 with a 7.54 ERA in three starts for Boston.

The Red Sox got a leadoff home run from Mookie Betts and added a second run in the first on Hanley Ramirez's RBI single, but couldn't score again.

Four relievers held Boston scoreless over the final four innings, with Houston Street earning his ninth save.

Jefry Marte had a run-scoring grounder in the bottom of the first to get Los Angeles on the scoreboard.

Pujols lined his two-run homer off Pomeranz in the third to give the Angels the lead. Pujols has 20 RBI in his last 13 games, 30 for the month of July and 80 on the season.

Johnny Giovatella had an RBI single in the fourth, and Jeff Bandy added an RBI double in the sixth to cap the scoring for Los Angeles.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Red Sox: RHP Craig Kimbrel threw 17 pitches in his first rehab appearance. Kimbrel (surgery for torn left knee cartilage) started the game for triple-A Pawtucket, recording one out while hitting a batter and allowing one hit. Manager John Farrell it was uncertain what Kimbrell's next step would be, but said he could join the team when it opens a four-game series in Seattle Tuesday.

Angels: C.J. Cron may be on the verge of a remarkable recovery from his fractured left hand. Cron injured the hand on July 9 and it was originally expected he would be out six-to-eight weeks. But manager Mike Scioscia said Cron could return within two weeks. He is scheduled to be examined Tuesday and could be cleared to start swinging a bat.

UP NEXT

Red Sox: RHP Steven Wright (12-5) will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season when he gave up eight earned runs in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday against Detroit. In his last six starts, he has a 6.89 ERA but has gone 4-1.

Angels: LHP Tyler Skaggs will try to duplicate his first start of the season. Skaggs, returning from Tommy John surgery, threw seven scoreless innings Tuesday, holding the Royals to only three hits in his first start since July 31, 2014.