Anthony Arroyo
Cactus League Game 9, 2/28/2025: Angels 5, Dodgers 6
GLENDALE Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani wasted no time making an impact in his Cactus League debut, launching a solo home run to give the Dodgers an early lead. Widely regarded as the best player in baseball, Ohtani has been easing back into action following Tommy John surgery, with most of his spring work coming in bullpen sessions.
Max Muncy extended the lead later in the first, bringing home another run with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.
Dustin May took the mound for the Dodgers but struggled in his lone inning. He gave up a grand slam in the first, allowing the Angels to jump ahead 4-2. May struck out two, walked two, and allowed three earned runs, an expected bump in the road as he works his way back after a two-season injury layoff.
Miguel Rojas helped cut into the deficit in the fourth, lining a single to left to bring home Kiké Hernández and make it a 4-3 game.
In the sixth, Tommy Edman delivered a clutch moment. The infielder, who has struggled this spring, broke out with a 2-for-3 night, including a game-tying solo homer to even the score at 4-4. Dodgers fans know what Edman is capable of after his stellar stretch last season following a trade from St. Louis, and tonight was a reminder of his offensive prowess.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff held firm the rest of the way. Justin Jarvis led the charge with two solid innings, allowing just one walk while striking out two. His command was sharp, and he executed his pitches well in a promising outing.
Then, in the ninth, top prospect Dalton Rushing sealed the win. He roped a bases-clearing double with the game on the line, dramatically walking off the Angels and allowing the Dodgers to win this game by a score of 5-6.
Overall, this was a well-rounded win for the Dodgers. Ohtani and Edman provided the power, the pitching staff held steady, and Rushing delivered in the clutch. This type of offensive production is precisely what the Dodgers expect from their highly paid stars. With Opening Day in Tokyo approaching, this victory could give the team valuable momentum.
Tomorrow, the Dodgers will play the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. PST.
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