All you need to know, in quickie form, about the Red Sox' win over the Angels, complete with BSJ analysis and insight:
HEADLINES
Bullpen does the job: When Garrett Whitlock needed 71 pitches to get 12 outs, it was obvious the Sox were going to have to lean pretty heavily on their relievers to win this one. The good thing was, thanks to the work of Michael Wacha, who tossed a complete game in the series opener Monday night, the bullpen was well-rested. The result? Five relievers combined to give the Sox six innings of one-run ball, with just two hits allowed. After Jake Diekman gave up a run in the fifth, the bullpen was in lockdown mode. Over the final five frames, the Angels managed to get just one runner into scoring position and he remained there. Tanner Houck led the way with two dominant innings, but credit -- and the save -- should also be given to Matt Strahm, who bounced back nicely from two poor outings in the last week to retire all three hitters he faced in the bottom of the 10th.
Whitlock not sharp: After tossing six shutout innings in his last outing, Garrett Whitlock took a step backward Tuesday and was hit around for four runs on six innings in just four innings. It was pretty clear from the first inning that Whitlock was leaving too many pitchers over the heart of the plate -- especially his sinker -- and the Angels were sitting on that pitch and doing plenty of damage. Clearly, Whitlock is still making the adjustment to the starter's role and there are bound to be some hiccups along the way. But his struggles Tuesday looked to be the result of his arm slot dropping on his two-seamer, giving the pitch more run as it drafted back across the plate too often and represented an inviting target. Some mechanical adjustments are in order before his next start.
Bogaerts leaves with sore shoulder: When Xander Bogaerts struck out in the seventh inning, he could be seen grabbing his shoulder and wincing some. He remained in the game for a bit, but when his turn at bat came up again two innings later in the ninth, the Sox pinch-hit Franchy Cordero for him. Alex Cora said after the game that Bogaerts had been sore since the end of the last homestand, when he collided in the outfield with Alex Verdugo, but the shoulder flared up Tuesday to the point where there was discomfort when he swung. Cora gave no indication whether Bogaerts would be able to play Wednesday night, but with no days off until Monday, it wouldn't be surprising to see him given at least one game off to rest and heal. This isn't anything the Sox want to linger.
TURNING POINT
In the ninth inning, with the game tied 5-5, Houck allowed a bloop double to open the inning. After recording two outs and first base open, the Sox wisely elected to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani. That brought up Jo Adell, who took over for the injured Mike Trout in the third inning. Adell battled, but Houck finally froze him with a slider for a called third strike, stranding two baserunners. In the top of the next inning, the Sox went up to stay.
TWO UP
Tanner Houck: Houck was immense over two innings of relief with three strikeouts and just one hit -- a bloop double -- allowed. It was enough to earn Houck's fourth win of the season.
Bobby Dalbec: It wasn't a perfect night, as he flubbed a ball at first that led to an Angels run in the second. But Dalbec was the only member of the Sox lineup to drive in two runs -- one in the second inning and another and another in the sixth.
TWO DOWN
Jake Diekman: Of all the relievers who worked, Diekman was the only one to allow a run. Somewhat predictably, control was an issue as he walked two and threw a wild pitch leading to the run.
Christian Arroyo: Granted, Arroyo has had irregular playing time for much of the year, but that's the life of a utility man. He's not doing much offensively when he gets a chance, and was 0-for-4 Tuesday night.
QUOTE OF NOTE
"I love those situations. Someone needs to do it, so why not me?'' Christian Vazquez, who delivered the game-winning RBI with a single in the top of the 10th inning.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
* The game was the first won by the Red Sox this season when they trailed after six innings. They had been 0-18 in such games until Tuesday night.
* This was also the first extra-inning game won by the Red Sox on the road this year.
* The Red Sox are two games over .500 for the first time this season.
* Rafael Devers, who had two hits, has extended his hitting streak to seven games.
* The Sox used every position player on their roster except for backup catcher Kevin Plawecki.
UP NEXT: The two teams play the third game of their four-game series Wednesday night at 9:38 p.m. with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-2, 3.41) vs. LHP Reid Detmers (2-2, 4.20)