Dodgers Recap: Yamamoto struggles as the Angels take game one of the Freeway Series

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of the final Freeway Series of the year. The Angels’ offense capitalized on a shaky start by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Dodgers’ bats struggled to produce until late in the game.

The Angels wasted no time getting on the board, with Zach Neto hitting a solo home run to right-center field in the bottom of the first. Following two walks issued by Yamamoto, Yoán Moncada hit an RBI single to extend the Angels’ lead to 2-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Mike Trout singled to right field, scoring Bryce Teodosio and Zach Neto to make it 4-0. The Angels would add two more runs in the inning, putting the Dodgers in a significant deficit.

Yamamoto was pulled in the fifth inning after allowing a season-high six runs. His final line for the night was 4.2 innings pitched, six hits, six earned runs, five walks, and six strikeouts, with one home run and 10 swing-and-misses on 99 pitches (60 strikes).

The Dodgers offense finally came to life in the eighth inning. Shohei Ohtani hit his 42nd home run of the season, a shot to right-center field. The rally continued with a three-run home run by Max Muncy, scoring Will Smith and Mookie Betts and cutting the Angels lead to 7-4.

The Dodgers will look to bounce back from the disappointing loss in game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:38 PM PST and the game can be seen on SportsNet LA.

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