Introduction to the Game
The Los Angeles Angels secured a 6-2 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Freeway Series opener on Friday night. This victory was fueled by strong performances from several key players.
Game Highlights
Jack Kochanowicz tossed one-run ball over 6 2/3 innings, while Yoán Moncada hit a two-run homer. The Angels led 2-0 on Moncada’s homer on his first pitch from Dustin May in the first inning. May hit Matthew Lugo and Tim Anderson back-to-back before Zach Neto’s two-run double to left extended the lead to 4-0 in the fourth.
Player Performances
Kochanowicz (3-5) allowed one run, struck out five and walked four in winning back-to-back starts for the first time this season. The Dodgers closed to 4-2 on Shohei Ohtani’s 16th homer off Ryan Zeferjahn in the eighth. Max Muncy’s RBI double provided their first run. The Angels answered with Nolan Schanuel’s two-run single that made it 6-2 in the ninth. May (1-4) gave up four runs and six hits in five innings. He struck out eight and walked two.
Key Moment
The Angels turned four of their five double plays behind Kochanowicz, who owns the second-highest groundball rate in the American League since July 11, 2024. The double plays tied a Dodgers record and were the most by an opponent since Aug. 7, 2015, at Cincinnati.
Key Stats
Dodgers rookie Hyeseong Kim’s streak of reaching base ended at nine plate appearances when he grounded out in the eighth.
Up Next
LHP Clayton Kershaw comes off the injured list to make his 18th season debut for the Dodgers on Saturday. LHP Tyler Anderson (2-1, 2.58 ERA) was set to start for the Angels.
Conclusion
The Angels’ win marked a significant moment in the Freeway Series, with standout performances from Kochanowicz and Moncada. The Dodgers will look to bounce back with Clayton Kershaw’s return to the mound.
FAQs
- Q: Who won the game between the Angels and the Dodgers?
- A: The Los Angeles Angels won 6-2.
- Q: Who hit the 16th home run for the Dodgers?
- A: Shohei Ohtani.
- Q: What is the significance of Clayton Kershaw’s upcoming start?
- A: Clayton Kershaw is coming off the injured list to make his 18th season debut for the Dodgers.
