Introduction to the Game
The Los Angeles Angels spoiled Clayton Kershaw’s season debut, beating the Dodgers 11-9 on Saturday night to take the first two games of the three-game series. Logan O’Hoppe, Taylor Ward and Matthew Lugo homered, leading the Angels to a thrilling victory.
The Game’s Turning Points
Kershaw allowed three runs and threw 38 pitches in the first inning. The three-time National League Cy Young Award winner lasted four innings, giving up five runs on five hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Shoulder, toe and knee injuries limited Kershaw to seven games last season, and his 2025 debut was delayed as he recovered from multiple offseason surgeries.
Angels’ Performance
O’Hoppe had two hits with a career-high five RBIs. Reid Detmers (1-2) allowed a run in two innings of relief, and Kenley Jansen got four outs against his former club for his eighth save this year. The Angels’ strong performance was evident in their ability to score five times in the seventh inning, taking the lead and ultimately winning the game.
Dodgers’ Efforts
Kiké Hernández and Andy Pages homered for the Dodgers, and Freddie Freeman matched a season high with four hits. The Dodgers tied it at 3 in the first on a three-run homer from Pages. They took a 7-5 lead in a three-run sixth, when rookie Dalton Rushing had an RBI double and Michael Conforto scored on a wild pitch.
Key Moments in the Game
The Dodgers pulled to 10-9 before Lugo homered in the ninth. O’Hoppe’s 10th homer this year was his fifth go-ahead hit of the season. The Angels scored five times in the seventh, with Nolan Schanuel hitting an RBI double and O’Hoppe launching a three-run homer to right field off Kirby Yates (3-2) for a 9-7 lead. Kevin Newman added an RBI single.
Key Moment
O’Hoppe’s 10th homer this year was his fifth go-ahead hit of the season.
Key Stat
By winning the first two games, the Angels took a three-game series at Dodger Stadium for the first time since June 2012.
Up Next
Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (2-0, 2.81 ERA) makes his fourth start Sunday since returning from Tommy John surgery. LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-4, 3.72) is chasing his first win in his 10th start for the Angels.
Conclusion
The Angels’ victory over the Dodgers marked a significant win, spoiling Clayton Kershaw’s season debut. With strong performances from O’Hoppe, Ward, and Lugo, the Angels were able to take the first two games of the series. The Dodgers will look to bounce back in the final game of the series.
FAQs
- Q: Who spoiled Clayton Kershaw’s season debut?
A: The Los Angeles Angels spoiled Clayton Kershaw’s season debut. - Q: Who homered for the Angels?
A: Logan O’Hoppe, Taylor Ward, and Matthew Lugo homered for the Angels. - Q: What is the significance of the Angels’ win?
A: The Angels took a three-game series at Dodger Stadium for the first time since June 2012. - Q: Who will pitch for the Dodgers in the next game?
A: Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (2-0, 2.81 ERA) will make his fourth start Sunday since returning from Tommy John surgery. - Q: Who will pitch for the Angels in the next game?
A: LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-4, 3.72) will chase his first win in his 10th start for the Angels.
