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Angels battling through grief

Apr 11, 2009 - 6:30 AM By Matt Brown Stats Editor

Boston (1-3) at LA Angels (2-2), 4:10 p.m. EDT

ANAHEIM, California (AP) -- Even shock and grief couldn't keep the Los Angeles Angels from taking care of business against the Boston Red Sox.

Still seeking a return to normalcy following the death of 22-year-old rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart, the Angels go for their 10th consecutive regular-season victory over Boston when the teams continue their three-game series Saturday afternoon in Anaheim.

After their scheduled series finale against Oakland was postponed, the Angels returned to the field Friday night for the first time since Adenhart and two of his friends were killed early Thursday morning by a suspected drunk driver. That driver was charged Friday with three counts of murder.

The Angels honored Adenhart, Courtney Stewart and Henry Pearson with a moment of silence and a pregame tribute before Friday's series opener. They wore patches of the rookie's No. 34, which will remain on their jerseys throughout the season.

"There's no doubt about where our hearts lie right now, with the Adenhart family," Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said. "As tough as we feel as an organization, it pales in comparison to when you lose a son."

On the field, the Angels (2-2) didn't miss a beat. Jered Weaver allowed one unearned run in six innings and Bobby Abreu went 3-for-4 with a run scored en route to a 6-3 win - the ninth in a row for Los Angeles over Boston (1-3) in regular-season play.

"Once you get into it, the game has a way of sucking you right in," Scioscia said. "While you're playing, you're into competing and that's what these guys are used to doing."

On Saturday, Scioscia will hand the ball to Joe Saunders (1-0, 0.00 ERA). The left-hander was excellent opening day, limiting Oakland to three hits and two walks while striking out two over 6 2-3 innings of the Angels' 3-0 victory. He picked up where he left off in 2008, when his career high 17 wins led the team.

Saunders has also played a key role in Los Angeles' recent regular-season dominance of Boston, as he's 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA versus the Red Sox in six career starts - all Angels victories. Reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, though, is 7-for-18 (.389) against Saunders.

Brad Penny (6-9, 6.27) is excited to hold the fifth spot in Boston's rotation after his lackluster 2008 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The nine-year veteran right-hander posted the highest ERA of his career and a personal low in wins while battling inflammation in his throwing shoulder, but the Red Sox believed he could help their club and signed him in January.

"I'm excited," Penny told the team's official Web site. "Any time you get to pitch for an organization like this, it's an honor. It should be a lot of fun."

Penny is 1-3 with a 4.99 ERA in five starts versus the Angels, but hasn't faced them since 2007.

Abreu and teammate Vladimir Guerrero, who went 2-for-4 Friday, have both enjoyed success against Penny. Abreu is 15-for-44 (.341) in their matchups, while Guerrero is 14-for-39 (.359).

Though the Red Sox have dropped three straight following an opening-day win over Tampa Bay, Kevin Youkilis continues to shine. The first baseman went 2-for-4 in the series opener for his fourth consecutive multihit game. He is 10-for-16 (.625) on the season.