Walsh’s 2-run double propels Angels to 2-1 win over Dodgers
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jared Walsh hit a tworun double in the third inning and the Los Angeles Angels held on for a 2-1 victory Sunday over the slumping Los Angeles Dodgers.
After the Dodgers struck first in the third on Chris Taylor’s two-out RBI single, the Angels responded in the home half when Walsh lined a bases-loaded, ground-rule double down the right-field line off Trevor Bauer (3-2).
The Dodgers were held to three hits but had plenty of baserunners after drawing nine walks from six Angels pitchers. The defending World Series champions left 12 on base and were 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position.
The Dodgers had runners on first and second with one out in the ninth after Mookie Betts walked and Corey Seager singled. Raisel Iglesias retired Justin Turner on a line drive to right field and Will Smith on a grounder for his fifth save.
Aaron Slegers (2-0) followed starter José Quintana and worked 1 1/3 hitless innings.
The Freeway Series finale featured less offense than the previous night, when the Dodgers won 14-11. The 25 runs were the most in a major league game this season.
Sunday’s win allowed the Angels to take two of three and cap an eventful, upand-down homestand. Los Angeles was swept in four games by Tampa Bay, and cut superstar first baseman Albert Pujols on Thursday.
The Dodgers have dropped five straight series and split one after taking two of three from San Diego from April 16-18. They started the season 13-3 but find themselves just 18-17 after dropping 14 of 19.
QUINTANA PERSEVERES
Quintana made it to the fifth inning for only the second time in six starts, but it wasn’t pretty.
The left-hander allowed one run on two hits with six strikeouts, but walked five. He loaded the bases on three walks in the first but got out of the jam when Taylor lined out to left.
SOLID SIX FOR BAUER
Bauer went six innings, and tied a season high with 113 pitches, including 70 strikes.
The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner retired the last 10 batters he faced after Walsh’s double.
The right- hander allowed two runs on four hits with two walks. He struck out nine to take over the NL lead with 67.