The Angels have lost 12 of their last 13 playoff games against the Red Sox dating to 1986 and are 0-4 all-time in postseason series against the Red Sox.

Erick Aybar had four hits for the Angels and Rivera had three, including a two-run double in a four-run seventh inning - aided by a dropped third strike - that gave Los Angeles a 7-5 lead. Bobby Abreu's third hit was an RBI single to break a ninth-inning tie and give the Angels an 8-7 lead.

"If you come back against them - being down, going ahead, being down, coming back again, being down again and coming back - it's a phenomenal game," Red Sox starter Paul Byrd said. "I was in the clubhouse screaming with ice on my arm. I can't believe what a great game that was."

Notes

Francona said C Victor Martinez will be back in the lineup on Thursday, but 1B Kevin Youkilis might have to take another day or two. RHP Tim Wakefield is getting better and could pitch on Monday for the third time since the All-Star break. ... Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was unavailable. ... Guerrero was hit by a pitch in the ribcage in the seventh and was pinch hit for in the eighth. The Angels said it was a bruise and no X-rays were taken. ... Angels starter Joe Saunders had won four straight, allowing two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four starts. ... Making his fourth start since signing a minor league deal in August, Byrd went 5 1-3 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits and a walk, striking out four. He also gave up three long outs in the first two innings and a 415-foot double to Abreu in the fifth.