The new Buckner is Bucknor

Both Francona and Angels manager Mike Scioscia took umbrage with the umpiring crew in the Angels’ 5-0 victory in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. The Red Sox committed three errors, but two of them, judging by replays, should have been clear outs.

In the fourth inning, shortstop Alex Gonzalez made a sliding stop and his throw pulled first baseman Kevin Youkilis off the base. Youkilis tagged Howie Kendrick on the hip as he stretched for the bag. First base umpire CB Bucknor - named baseball’s worst umpire in a 2006 players’ survey by Sports Illustrated - called Kendrick safe. Youkilis protested, and Francona bolted from the dugout.

In the sixth, a similar play transpired with Kendrick again. He hit a ball at third baseman Mike Lowell, whose high throw forced Youkilis to leap. Replays showed he landed on first base well before Kendrick touched the bag. Bucknor again ruled him safe. Youkilis, never one to hide his emotions, exploded. He slammed his glove on first base and yelled at Bucknor. Francona again rushed from the dugout and engaged in an extended shouting match.

“I didn’t think he got the call right,’’ Francona said, flatly.

“I thought they both were out,’’ Youkilis said. “CB disagreed, so move on and go from there. Can’t really do anything.

“He said I tagged him, but he said [Kendrick] was on the base when I tagged him. I didn’t think that was possible. I guess guys saw it on the replay, but other than that, I don’t know.’’

“I’ll defer to the replays,’’ Lowell said. “I definitely thought Youk came down on the base on the ball that Howie Kendrick hit to me. I think when both managers come out adamantly, they feel strongly one way or the other.’’

The Angels also benefited from another contested play at first, but that call appeared closer than the two that went against the Red Sox. Chone Figgins and second baseman Dustin Pedroia, covering first on a sacrifice bunt, touched the base at almost the same time. Bucknor drew the ire of the Angel Stadium crowd when he called Figgins out.

None of those calls led to any runs, but the two against the Sox did help increase Jon Lester’s pitch count. Plate umpire and crew chief Joe West said the plays were close and that Bucknor was in proper position.

“They were three bang-bang plays at first base,’’ West said. “It seemed like two of them went against the Red Sox, one of them went against the Angels. I mean, they’re all bang-bang plays. From where I was, it’s the kind of play, they hit the bag at the same time. I’m sure that the camera slowed everything down and they deciphered it the way they did.

“These are professional umpires, and they get in the best position they can to make the call. He was in great position on all the plays. If he got blocked out, he got blocked out. He was there to make the call. It didn’t appear that any of them were real routine plays, either.’’

In the third, the Red Sox gained a base runner when West ruled catcher’s interference on Jeff Mathis.

“When Scioscia came out, the first thing he did was look at his catcher,’’ West said. “He said, yeah, he hit it.’’

Ultimately, the errors the Sox were given were just a blemish. They did not decide the game. But for a while, they provided aggravation for the Sox and a reminder that umpires have their best games when no one notices them.

“Those were all tough plays,’’ West said. “They were all bang-bang plays. And tomorrow, there are going to be some more.’’