Angels Rally for Walk-off Win Over World Series Champion Dodgers

In a thrilling come-from-behind victory, the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-6 in extra innings on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. The defending World Series champions fell into a first-place tie with San Diego atop the NL West after their third consecutive loss.

Ohtani’s Historic Night Overshadowed by Angels’ Late Surge

Shohei Ohtani, the Angels’ two-way superstar, homered in his fourth consecutive game, crushing a cutter from Kenley Jansen for his NL-leading 43rd homer. The blast had an exit velocity of 114.8 mph, moving Ohtani past Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the NL homers lead after hitting five in six games. He also extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

“That was an incredible moment,” said Angels manager Joe Maddon. “Ohtani’s power at the plate is truly something special.”

However, Ohtani also had an uncharacteristic moment in the sixth inning, lining into an eighth-inning triple play. Shortstop Zach Neto caught his liner up the middle, stepped on second to get Miguel Rojas, and threw to first where Nolan Schanuel tagged out Dalton Rushing. It was the eighth triple play in Angels history.

Drama in the Ninth and Tenth Innings

• The Angels rallied in the ninth. Luis Rengifo singled and scored on Schanuel’s sacrifice fly before Ben Casparius (7-5) struck out Taylor Ward with the bases loaded.
• In the tenth, after Connor Brogdon (3-1) pitched a clean inning for the Angels, Christian Moore moved Ward to third with a bunt single. Jo Adell then ended the game with a high chopper that got over the drawn-in Dodgers’ infield.

Rushing hit his second homer for the Dodgers, who have lost all five meetings with the Angels this season. They’re also sharing the NL West lead for the first time since June 13 after San Diego won its fourth straight at San Francisco.

“We’re in a tight division race, so every game matters,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “We just have to keep battling and find ways to win.”

Key Stat: Jansen’s Streak Ends

Jansen, the Dodgers’ closer, hadn’t allowed an earned run in 21 consecutive appearances, the longest streak of his stellar career.

Did You Know?

• Ohtani’s Power Surge: Shohei Ohtani has hit 43 home runs this season, the most in the National League.
• Angels-Dodgers Rivalry: These two teams have developed a heated rivalry in recent years, with the Angels winning all five meetings this season.

Pro Tip

Want to See More of Ohtani? Catch Shohei Ohtani’s next start on Wednesday night when he takes the mound against the Dodgers.

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