Shohei Ohtani Homers, But Angels Outplay Dodgers in Series Opener
The Los Angeles Angels stunned their crosstown rivals Friday night, defeating the reigning World Series champion Dodgers 6-2 at Dodger Stadium, despite a home run by former Angel Shohei Ohtani.
Yoan Moncada set the tone early for the Angels with a two-run homer in the first inning, and right-hander Jack Kochanowicz delivered a strong outing on the mound. He pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing only one run on five hits while striking out five and issuing four walks. The rookie forced four key double-play grounders, limiting the Dodgers’ ability to generate momentum.
Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers in a blockbuster offseason move, provided one of the few bright spots for Los Angeles. He went 2-for-4, including a solo shot in the eighth inning — his 16th of the season and third in five career games against his former team.
The Angels entered the game last in the American League West, while the Dodgers boasted the best record in the National League. Yet, it was the underdogs who dictated the pace throughout the series opener.
Following Moncada’s blast, the Angels doubled their lead in the fourth inning. Zach Neto ripped a two-run double, scoring Luis Rengifo and Matthew Lugo. The Dodgers responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth, as Will Smith singled and came around to score on a Max Muncy double. That would be their only run until Ohtani’s homer four innings later.
Dustin May (1-4) started for the Dodgers but struggled with command. Despite eight strikeouts, he allowed four earned runs on six hits in five innings.
The Angels added insurance runs in the eighth when Nolan Schanuel knocked a two-run single off right-hander Ryan Loutos, who was making his Dodgers debut. Loutos allowed both inherited runners to score in his short outing.
Kenley Jansen, once a fan favorite at Dodger Stadium, closed the game for the Angels with a clean ninth inning. Though it was not a save situation, the moment was notable given his history with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ offensive woes came as a surprise after they exploded for 19 runs in their previous game against the Oakland Athletics. In sharp contrast, the team grounded into five double plays against the Angels — a season high.
Manager Ron Washington of the Angels downplayed the rivalry aspect of the win.
“We came here to play our brand of baseball,” Washington said postgame. “It’s about executing on both sides of the ball, not about who’s on the other side.”
The Freeway Series continues over the weekend, with the Angels now holding a 1-0 lead in the three-game set. Despite the loss, Ohtani’s homer continues to reinforce his dominance at the plate, maintaining his league-leading home run total.
Still, the night belonged to the Angels — a team that, at least for one evening, outshone the champions.
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