Batting practice on Saturday stretched right into the Dodgers game.
Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run homer that capped a huge first inning for the Dodgers, securing a 9-2 victory over the Angels at Uniqlo Field.
This wasn’t just your typical baseball game.
It felt more like a pride of lions taking down a helpless warthog.
The unfortunate target in this scenario was Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz, who was pulled after getting only one out against eight batters faced.
Things didn’t improve for the Angels even after Kochanowicz exited. Ohtani’s impressive 11th home run of the season soared over the left-center field wall.
Interestingly, this inning marked the Dodgers’ most fruitful in approximately five years. The last time they scored nine runs in an inning was in July 2021 during a 10-5 win over the Nationals.
During that same top inning, the Angels briefly led by one after Oswaldo Peraza hit a scoring triple.
Ohtani was key for the Dodgers, first with an infield hit, then followed by a home run from Andy Pages. Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy all contributed singles that loaded the bases, leading to two runs scored thanks to a double from rookie Ryan Ward.
Kochanowicz managed to strike out Alex Cole, but walked Dalton Rushing soon after, prompting manager Kurt Suzuki to replace him.
Relief pitcher Suter came in and forced Alex Freeland into a ground-out, but Zach Neto’s throw went awry, yielding three runs for the Dodgers.
Ohtani’s later home run tacked on two additional runs.
The game came to a close there.
What it Means
The Dodgers could almost celebrate winning the National League West. They hold an eight-game lead over the Padres, who narrowly beat the Mets 3-2, while also sitting eight and a half games behind the Diamondbacks, who lost to the Nationals 6-1.
Who is Hot
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was nearly flawless, almost throwing a no-hitter. A bunt single by Wade Meckler and a triple from Peraza allowed the Angels to score early, but Yamamoto didn’t allow another hit or run for the next seven innings.
Who is Not
The Angels have the worst record in the league, but it doesn’t paint the whole picture of their struggles. They seemed powerless against Roki Sasaki on Friday and looked even worse against Yamamoto on Saturday. Defensive mishaps, including Donovan Walton’s second error of the game in the second inning, added to their woes.
To the Next
The Dodgers conclude their three-game series against the Angels on Sunday, with Emmett Sheehan (3-2, 4.50 ERA) set to pitch against Angels right-hander Jose Soriano (6-4, 2.72 ERA).
