Anaheim, CA -- (Sports Network) - Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter hit back- to-back home runs and Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 40th save of the year, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim edged the Boston Red Sox, 5-3, to sweep the defending World Champions.

"We played a very good team," Boston manager Terry Francona said. "We had a lead but we didn't hold it. Those are games you have to win."

Casey Kotchman hit a two-run go-ahead double in the eighth for the Angels, who have won five in a row and six of seven overall. Howie Kendrick doubled, knocked in a run and scored a run for Los Angeles.

Jon Garland lasted 6 2/3 frames and was touched for three runs -- two earned -- on six hits. Darren Oliver (3-1) picked up the win as he tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball. Rodriguez worked a perfect ninth to become the fastest in major league history to 40 saves (98 games).

Mike Lowell had an RBI for the Red Sox, who have dropped three in a row overall and 10 of their last 12 on the road. Manny Ramirez had a double and an RBI, extending his hit streak to nine games.

Tim Wakefield (6-7) took the loss as he was touched for four runs on six hits through seven innings.

The Angels took the lead in the eighth inning. Juan Rivera led off the frame with a double and pinch-runner Reggie Willits scored as Kendrick followed with another double before Manny Delcarmen was called on in relief.

Jeff Mathis offered a sac bunt to move the runner to third and Chone Figgins worked a walk to put runners on the corners. Kotchman then laced a two-run double down the left field line and it was 5-3.

Rodriguez was on the mound trying to close it out for the Angels in the ninth and caught Coco Crisp looking at the third strike for the first out. Pinch- hitter Sean Casey struck out and Jacoby Ellsbury whiffed for the final out.

Guerrero and Hunter started the second inning off with back-to-back home runs, as the Angels assumed a 2-0 lead.

"When Vladdy goes deep it really pumps you up," Hunter said.

Boston got those runs back in the third inning. Dustin Pedroia clubbed a one- out single prior to Stephen Drew flying out to center. Ramirez then belted a double to right field, which plated Pedroia. Lowell kept it going with an RBI single, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.

Crisp worked a one-out walk and stole second base as Kevin Cash went down swinging. Ellsbury then hit a fly ball to right, which bounced off Guerrero's glove, allowing Crisp to score and it was 3-2 Sox.

Game Notes

The Red Sox own the best home record in the major leagues at 36-11, but they are just 21-32 away from Fenway Park...Time of game was 2:43.