Ump's calls upset Sox, Halos

ANAHEIM -- Close calls created some dispute in Game 1 of the Red Sox-Angels series.

At the center of three disputed plays was first-base umpire CB Bucknor, who caught an earful from both managers in their American League Division Series opener on Thursday at Angel Stadium.

Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis wasn't too pleased, either, and TV replays seemed to support his beef.

Ironically, Howard Kendrick was at the center of two of the calls in question.

With two outs in the fourth inning, Kendrick slapped a grounder up the middle. Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez, making a nifty sliding stab, came up with the ball. Gonzalez set but threw wide to first, pulling Youkilis off the bag.

Youkilis made a swipe tag on Kendrick, who was ruled safe at first base. Immediately, Boston manager Terry Francona trotted out to protest. TV replays seemed to support the argument that Kendrick was tagged before touching first.

The play didn't cost the Red Sox a run, however, as Jon Lester struck out Jeff Mathis to end the inning.

In the fifth inning, there was a disputed play at first, and this time Angels manager Mike Scioscia raced from the dugout to have a few words for Bucknor. The play that triggered the argument was Chone Figgins' sacrifice bunt after Erick Aybar doubled to open the inning.

Figgins' bunt was handled by Lester, who threw wide to second baseman Dustin Pedroia covering first. Pedroia came off the bag to catch the ball. But he lunged back with his left foot reaching the bag about the same time as Figgins. On a bang-bang play, Figgins was ruled out. Disagreeing, Scioscia had a few words with Bucknor, who appeared to have got the call right.

The sacrifice bunt set the stage for Torii Hunter's three-run homer off Lester.

The controversy continued in the sixth inning when Kendrick bounced a grounder to Mike Lowell at third base. But Lowell's throw caused Youkilis to jump. Making a terrific recovery, Youkilis got his foot down on the bag. But Bucknor called Kendrick safe.

Again, Francona was out of the dugout and exchanged some more words with Bucknor. The play didn't cost the Red Sox any runs because Jacoby Ellsbury made a sparkling running and diving catch to pull in Figgins long fly ball to center field.