O’Hoppe’s Late Heroics Lift Angels Over Dodgers 6-5 to Complete Freeway Series Sweep

Shohei Ohtani pitched into the fifth inning and tripled in his first start at Angel Stadium since 2023. Still, Logan O’Hoppe’s two-run single in the eighth propelled the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, sealing a season sweep in the Freeway Series.

After facing his former team, Ohtani allowed four runs on five hits over a season-high 4 1/3 innings, striking out seven — including Mike Trout twice — and walking two. At the plate, he tripled and scored in the first inning but struck out in each of his final three at-bats.

Will Smith’s two-run homer and Mookie Betts’ pair of RBI singles accounted for most of the Dodgers’ offense. The defending World Series champions have lost four straight and fallen into second place in the National League West behind the San Diego Padres, who head to Dodger Stadium for a weekend series.

Despite being below .500, the Angels pulled off an improbable feat by sweeping both three-game sets against the Dodgers this season. Their seven straight wins over their crosstown rivals mark a new franchise record.

Ohtani looked sharp early, surrendering only a second-inning solo homer to Taylor Ward before running into trouble in the fifth. He exited with a 5-4 lead, but the Dodgers’ injury-depleted bullpen kept the game close.

One highlight for the Angels came in the seventh when rookie Bryce Teodosio robbed Andy Pages of a home run with a leaping grab at the right-center wall.

Brock Burke (6-1) earned the win after pitching a scoreless eighth, and Kenley Jansen closed the door in the ninth for his 23rd save.

Key Moment:

With the score tied in the eighth, the Angels loaded the bases against Justin Wrobleski (4-4) and Edgardo Henriquez. O’Hoppe came through with a decisive two-run single to put Los Angeles ahead.

Key Stat:

Ohtani has struck out 15 batters over his last 8 1/3 innings pitched.

Up Next:

The Dodgers are expected to send Clayton Kershaw (6-2, 3.14 ERA) to the mound Friday against the Padres. The Angels will have Yusei Kikuchi (6-7, 3.37 ERA) starting Friday in West Sacramento.