Angels’ Tyler Anderson Opposes Red Sox For First Time Since Sign-Stealing Accusations

The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels opened a three-game series on Monday, nearly three weeks after tensions between the two teams bubbled over into a pre-game shouting match over accusations of sign stealing from Angels starter Tyler Anderson.

Taking the mound for the first time since a disastrous performance against the Seattle Mariners on June 17, Red Sox starter Walker Buehler was hoping to put his recent rough stretch spanning five starts into the rearview mirror.

Unfortunately for Buehler, things got out of control quickly during the top of the first inning when he allowed five earned runs on two hits, four walks, and two hit batters. He would leave the game after four innings and 94 pitches. His seven walks continued a recent trend of not being able to command the strike zone in his latest no-decision.

Following the Red Sox’s 9-5 loss in the series opener, the team will attempt to get back on track tonight when the two teams play Game 2 of the series. Let’s take a closer look at Tuesday’s pitching match-up.

Garrett Crochet (7-4) opposes Tyler Anderson (2-5)

Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet will toe the rubber in Game 2 this evening. Coming off a sensational six-inning start against the Seattle Mariners on June 18, Crochet will try to carry over his success from his one-run, eight-strikeout performance last week into a game the Red Sox badly need to win.

Crochet is 3-1 over his last five performances and has only allowed more than two runs once in that span. The southpaw has also struck out 47 hitters and walked six over his last 34 innings dating back to May 26.

Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson will take the mound for his second start against the Red Sox this season. Anderson was roughed up for five earned runs on seven hits during his start at Fenway Park on June 2. He was pulled after 4 1/3 innings and 93 pitches and earned a no-decision in Boston’s eventual 7-6 victory.

Not much has gone right for Anderson over his last five starts, dating back to May 27. With a record of 0-4 during that stretch, the 10-year veteran has allowed 19 earned runs, 37 hits, and eight walks over his last 26 innings.

As a central figure in the heated pre-game fracas between the Red Sox and Angels over sign-stealing accusations, it will be interesting to see how Anderson responds in the wake of the highly publicized incident on June 4.