Angels outlast Red Sox to avoid sweep

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Angels beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 after 12 innings at Fenway Park on Sunday to prevent an American League Division Series sweep and extend their post-season participation for another day at least.

The marathon game was decided in the 12th when a single to center field by Angels shortstop Erick Aybar drove in catcher Mike Napoli for the winning run.

"That game was swinging on a heartbeat for most of the night," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "Fortunately we got it done at the end of the night."

Power-hitting catcher Napoli also contributed a two-run homer in the third inning and a solo home run in the fifth.

"It's really good to have that happen for Mike Napoli," said Aybar. "He's a guy that we count on."

The game had been tied at 4-4 from the bottom of the fifth inning, when Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis tied the score with a line-drive double to center field that drove home right fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

BECKETT STRUGGLES

Boston's starting pitcher Josh Beckett handed the Angels their first run of the game when he walked right fielder Juan Rivera with the bases loaded, allowing third baseman Chone Figgins to score.

Beckett gave up nine hits, throwing 106 inches in five innings punctuated by constant mound conferences with catcher Jason Varitek.

"I don't think his command was what it can be, what it will be," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona, whose team leads the best-of-five series 2-1.

Figgins, who had taken second base at his lead-off at bat, said the early hit gave his team a psychological lead.

"It puts teams on edge when you get a lead off hit to start an inning," Figgins said. "They don't know what you are going to do."

But the Angels were by no means perfect.

They lost the early lead after a single by Ellsbury dropped in short center field between three Los Angeles fielders. That allowed all three runners who were on base to score, giving Boston a 3-1 lead.

Scioscia described the play as "a miscue."

The two teams went through a combined 12 pitchers over the 5 hour, 19 minute matchup. The Angels' Jered Weaver was credited with the win.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)