Dodgers Top Angels 6-2 in Thrilling Extra-Inning Freeway Series Game
Anaheim, CA - In a highly anticipated showdown between Los Angeles’ two baseball titans, the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, extending their dominance in the Freeway Series. The game, which held special significance due to Shohei Ohtani’s highly publicized offseason move to the Dodgers, was a back-and-forth affair that didn’t disappoint the fans who packed the stadium.
The game was punctuated by a key moment in the first inning when Shohei Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers in a record-breaking $700 million deal in December 2023, delivered an RBI triple in his first at-bat. Ohtani’s return to Anaheim was met with both cheers and jeers, but he wasted no time reminding fans of his talents. The star slugger, who was a central figure in the Angels’ lineup for years, went on to score two runs and finished the game 1-for-4 with a walk.
Ohtani’s presence on the field seemed to inspire his teammates, as the Dodgers capitalized on his early momentum to put together a strong offensive performance.
While Ohtani’s contributions were crucial, it was Mookie Betts who sealed the win for the Dodgers in extra innings. With the game tied at 2-2 in the 10th inning, Betts stepped up to the plate and launched a three-run homer to give the Dodgers a commanding 6-2 lead. Betts’ blast, his 34th of the season, sent the Dodgers’ dugout into a frenzy and proved to be the game-winner.
“I was just trying to stay patient and make a good swing,” said Betts after the game. “It felt great to help the team in that moment.”
On the mound, Walker Buehler provided a solid start for the Dodgers, allowing just two runs on four hits over six innings. The right-hander, who has been a mainstay in the Dodgers’ rotation for years, struck out seven batters and navigated through a few tough situations to keep his team in the game.
“I felt good out there,” Buehler said. “The offense really picked me up, especially in those late innings. It was a great team win.”
In relief, Michael Kopech (5-8) picked up the victory after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. The bullpen held the Angels in check when it mattered most, securing the Dodgers’ victory and helping to neutralize the threat posed by the Angels’ bats.
The Angels managed to strike first, taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning with solo home runs from Logan O’Hoppe and Taylor Ward. But despite their early power surge, the Angels struggled to string together hits and could not capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
“We had a couple of good swings early on, but we couldn’t find a way to build on that,” said Angels manager Phil Nevin. “You can’t expect to win games like that against a team like the Dodgers.”
With the win, the Dodgers improved to 84-55, maintaining their lead in the National League West. The victory was a significant boost as the Dodgers continue their push for a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.
For the Angels, the loss dropped them to 57-81, a reminder of their struggles in what has been a disappointing year. Despite flashes of talent, the Angels have struggled with consistency, and their postseason hopes remain a distant dream.
As the rivalry between these two Los Angeles teams continues to grow, the September 3 game will go down as another memorable chapter in the Freeway Series saga, with Ohtani’s return and Betts’ game-winning heroics adding extra drama to an already intense matchup.
The Dodgers will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for the final stretch of the season, while the Angels will seek to regroup and finish the year on a strong note.
