In a commanding 11-4 victory over the Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their power at the plate, led by standout Mookie Betts. The All-Star outfielder had a remarkable performance, hitting two solo home runs and driving in four runs. His offensive prowess was complemented by Freddie Freeman, who also went deep with a home run. The win marked the Dodgers’ ninth consecutive victory over the Angels.
Betts, known for his excellence in the outfield, made his fourth consecutive start in the Dodgers’ infield, primarily due to second baseman Miguel Vargas struggling offensively. Despite the positional change, Betts demonstrated his exceptional offensive skills, disproving any doubts about his productivity when playing on the dirt. He reminded everyone that he was the 2018 AL MVP as a right fielder and emphasized that the batter’s box and defense are separate aspects of the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Betts’ preference for playing in the infield, as it keeps him fresh, involved, and dynamic. Betts’ performance was truly remarkable, as he recorded his 23rd game with three extra-base hits, tying the legendary Lou Gehrig for the most by a player aged 30 or younger since 1900.
The Angels, led by their All-Star Shohei Ohtani, struggled against the Dodgers’ dominant display. Ohtani ended an 0-for-11 slump with a single in the fourth inning and later scored. However, the Angels faced their longest losing streak in the Freeway Series, dropping to .500 for the twelfth time this season with a 45-45 record. The absence of injured superstar Mike Trout, who wore a cast on his broken left wrist, added to their challenges.
On the pitching side, Dodgers’ starter Tony Gonsolin delivered an impressive performance, retiring the first nine batters he faced. However, Ohtani broke his streak with a single in the fourth, leading to a three-run homer by Mickey Moniak. Gonsolin pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs and seven hits while striking out five.
Betts continued to shine, hitting another home run in the fifth inning, bringing his season total to 25. He also contributed with a two-run double in the sixth inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 7-3. The team added four more runs in the eighth inning, with Will Smith’s two-run homer as the highlight.
Angels’ third baseman Anthony Rendon, who had fouled a ball off his left shin earlier in the week, did not require a stint on the injured list but was still experiencing soreness. Meanwhile, Dodgers’ pitcher Noah Syndergaard, recovering from a finger injury, pitched a three-inning simulated game and is expected to start a rehab assignment soon.
In other news, Carlos Estévez became the first Angels reliever since 2011 to be named an All-Star. Estévez has been a key player in the bullpen, with a 1.85 ERA and 21 successful save opportunities in the season. He will be replacing Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase in the All-Star game.
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