Red Sox manager Alex Cora did not mince words after Boston’s 7–6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park.

In his postgame remarks, Cora stressed urgency.

“We’re not that far off. I truly believe that,” Cora stated. “But we have to make sure we start off series the right way.”

Additionally, he didn’t hold back on the pitchers.

“I truly believe our pitching staff should be better,” Cora declared.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Red Sox News
San Francisco Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski (5) runs home to score against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium.
1 player San Francisco Giants must trade before 2025 deadlineBrayden Haena ·
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks down in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Red Sox’s Alex Cora puts skid-busting win vs. Blue Jays into perspectiveRichard Pereira ·
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony (19) hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium.
Red Sox’s Lucas Giolito thinks Roman Anthony has “a ton of promise” after multi-hit performanceZachary Howell ·
Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) makes an error at third during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park.
Red Sox star Alex Bregman takes critical step towards injury returnTroy Finnegan ·
Mar 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (7) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees in the sixth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Red Sox’s Masataka Yoshida drops injury timeline amid rehabMike Gianakos ·
Boston Red Sox second baseman Marcelo Mayer (39) loses control of the ball for the throw to first against Los Angeles Angels center fielder Jo Adell (7). during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium.
Red Sox make Marcelo Mayer roster move ahead of Blue Jays seriesBenedetto Vitale ·

The night started badly for Boston. Remarkably, the Angels became the first visiting team in Fenway history to hit three home runs in the first inning. Zach Neto led off with a homer. Afterward, Nolan Schanuel walked, and Taylor Ward singled. Then, Jorge Soler reached on a fielding error, allowing Schanuel to score. Shortly after, Mike Trout crushed a towering three-run blast to center. Finally, Jo Adell capped the inning with a solo shot, making it 6–0 before Boston even got an out.

Importantly, Mike Trout’s night was historic. His three-run homer marked his 1,675th career hit, moving him to second on the Angels’ all-time list. Additionally, he finished 3-for-4, once again proving why he is one of baseball’s most feared hitters. The three-time American League MVP recently returned to the Angels' lineup, who visibly struggled without their star.

Nevertheless, Boston fought back. In the third, Jarren Duran doubled and scored on Rafael Devers’ RBI double. Then, in the fifth, the Red Sox mounted a four-run rally. Duran singled, Devers walked, and both crossed the plate on hits by Rob Refsnyder and Carlos Narváez. Furthermore, Romy Gonzalez added a two-run double, cutting the deficit to 6–5.

However, the Angels struck again in the sixth when Adell hit his second homer of the night, a solo blast to left-center. Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela responded with a solo shot in the eighth, making it 7–6. Still, former Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen shut the door in the ninth to seal the win.

Boston currently sits at 6–16 in one-run games this season and holds fourth place in the American League East standings. Additionally, the team is 16-15 at home. They will look to bounce back in the second game of the series at Fenway Park.