The Los Angeles Dodgers may be one of the top betting options to repeat as World Series Champions, but they can lose their focus.
An up-and-down stretch defined the first half of May for the Dodgers, and there was a chance to get back on track during a three-game home series against crosstown rival Los Angeles Angels.
Despite the talent, the storyline of Clayton Kershaw’s first start and having home-field advantage, the Angels found a way to shock the Dodgers in all three games.
The Los Angeles Angels just swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 3+ game series for the first time in 15 seasons pic.twitter.com/pK0hb6BgRS
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) May 18, 2025
The Angels swept the Dodgers in a series of three or more games for the first time in 15 seasons. Their last sweep in a three-game set came back on June 11-13, 2010—the same year Los Angeles last finished below .500.
Over the weekend, the Angels outscored their rivals 23-15. Despite their loaded lineup, Dodgers hitters struck out 25 times, including 11 in one game.
There were several disappointing aspects surrounding the Dodgers' taking on their rival.
Kershaw gave up five hits and five runs in the first start of his 18th season on Saturday. A day later, the Dodgers allowed Travis d’Arnaud to hit his first home run of the year—a go-ahead shot that helped the Angels secure a 6-4 win.
The Dodgers (29-18) are on one of their worst stretches of the season. They currently have a one-game lead over the San Diego Padres (27-18), who are also on a three-game losing streak.
Although the Dodgers will find a way to bounce back, get healthy, and win more games, this series sweep at the hands of their lesser crosstown rival will sting for a long time.
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