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Today β€” 16 May 2026Channel-Sport

Dodgers Dominate Angels For First Freeway Series Win Since 2024

May 15, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets teammates after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers were at their best on Friday, May 15th, flexing their talent and depth across the board.

The Dodgers, who have won the last two World Series, have been dominant in the regular season for the past decade, but in 2025, they were swept by the Angels in the regular-season series, 6-0.

The Angels, despite their talent, have been on the opposite end of regular-season success, seeing little postseason action, but Anaheim seems to turn it up against the Dodgers.

With a Dodgers offense recovering from a slump and Blake Snell scratched from his start hours before the game, forcing a bullpen effort, the Angels looked like they had a real chance to keep their streak going against the Dodgers.

May 15, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets teammates after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) greets teammates after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

However, the Dodgers responded with a complete showing, blanking the Angels 6-0 with the offense getting going as well.

How did the bullpen dominate vs. the Angels?

The bullpen held the Angels to 2-for-29, 11 strikeouts, and four walks. They could not get going after Will Klein set the tone well, and Edgardo Henriquez took over from there.

The Dodgers deployed eight total pitchers, with Klein being the only arm to pitch more than one inning.

The unit had only a handful of hours to prepare for their effort, and, on short notice, they turned around and delivered a great performance that allowed each arm to contribute without adding any stress.

On Saturday, the Dodgers have Justin Wrobleski, a pitcher who misses barrels better than most and can go deep into games.

They will need to perform at that level with so many arms in action on Friday.

The bats who delivered vs. the Angels

Andy Pages got the Dodgers on the board early with a three-run homer. Teoscar Hernandez had his own two-run shot, while Max Muncy added a solo shot of his own.

The Dodgers have failed to hit for power on a regular basis this season, but on Friday, three home runs cashed in another three extra runs and helped the team not need to pile on countless hits to generate offense.

The Dodgers’ offense will have a tougher time on Saturday against Jose Soriano, a dominant starter who has been one of the best pitchers in the American League.

Dodgers vs. Angels Lineup: Freeman Day Off, Snell Scratched, Ohtani and Betts Return

Mar 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) on deck in the fourth against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Freeway Series begins Friday night, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back some of their biggest stars for the first game.

After designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and shortstop Mookie Betts sat Thursday, they return to the lineup for Friday evening.

Mar 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) on deck in the fourth against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) on deck in the fourth against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

First baseman Freddie Freeman, though, is getting a day off.

Who is pitching for the Dodgers?

In a late surprise, the Dodgers have pulled Blake Snell from his scheduled start.

Instead, it’s likely to be a bullpen game, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.

Reliever Will Klein will likely start, as he has experience with lengthy relief outings, including Game 3 of the World Series.

This year, he has a 2.76 ERA and 0.3 bWAR in 12 games.

Also expect to see pitchers like Jack Dreyer, who has two days of rest, and possibly Wyatt Mills and Blake Treinen.

What’s the batting order for the Dodgers?

Ohtani returns to DH and his leadoff spot, followed by Betts.

Catcher Will Smith moves back to third in the order after his leadoff homer Thursday night.

Kyle Tucker bats cleanup, and fellow outfielder Andy Pages bats fifth.

Third baseman Max Muncy bats sixth, left fielder Teoscar Hernandez bats seventh and Dalton Rushing, who’s playing first base in Freeman’s place, will bat eighth.

Second baseman Hyeseong Kim will bat in the nine hole.

Dodgers Lineup vs. Angels

1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Mookie Betts, SS
3. Will Smith, C
4. Kyle Tucker, RF
5. Andy Pages, CF
6. Max Muncy, 3B
7. Teoscar HernΓ‘ndez, LF
8. Dalton Rushing, 1B
9. Hyeseong Kim, 2B
P. Will Klein

The Dodgers lineup for their series opener vs the Angels tonight ?

Dalton Rushing is at 1B with Freddie Freeman getting the day off, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts are back in and Will Klein is starting on the mound. pic.twitter.com/x7PeoAXA3T

β€” Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 15, 2026

Who is Starting for the Angels?

The Angels are starting Jack Kochanowicz on the mound.

Kochanowicz has a 2-2 record and 3.97 ERA on the year, as well as 30 strikeouts.

First pitch at Angel Stadium is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. PT.

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