Angels Defeat Dodgers 6-2 in Freeway Series Opener Behind Strong Pitching and Defense
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Angels secured a 6-2 victory over the crosstown Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in the opening game of the Freeway Series. A stellar pitching performance from Jack Kochanowicz and a solid defensive effort that included turning five double plays were key to the Angels’ win.
Jack Kochanowicz was impressive on the mound, allowing just one run over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked four, earning his third win of the season (3-5) and securing back-to-back victories for the first time this year.
His ability to induce groundballs was evident throughout his outing. The Angels’ defense turned five remarkable double plays behind him, effectively stifling the Dodgers’ offense. These five double plays tied a Dodgers record for the most turned by an opponent since 2015 and were the most by an Angels opponent in a single game since August 7, 2015.
The Angels’ offense provided early support. Yoán Moncada gave the Angels a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run home run off Dodgers starter Dustin May. The Angels extended their advantage in the fourth when Zach Neto hit a two-run double, scoring 4-0.
The Dodgers’ runs came later in the game. Max Muncy drove in their first run with an RBI double, and Shohei Ohtani hit his 16th home run of the season in the eighth inning to bring the Dodgers within two runs at 4-2.
However, the Angels responded in the ninth inning with a two-run single by Nolan Schanuel, extending their lead to 6-2.
Dustin May took the loss for the Dodgers (1-4), giving up four runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out eight but walked two. An interesting note from the game was the end of Dodgers rookie Hyeong Kim’s nine-plate appearance on-base streak, which concluded with a ground out in the eighth inning.
Looking ahead, the series continues on Saturday. The Dodgers are scheduled to have Clayton Kershaw make his season debut after coming off the injured list, while the Angels are expected to start LHP Tyler Anderson (2-1, 2.58 ERA).
