Dodgers vs. Angels Game Recap

Game Overview

On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Los Angeles Angels (56-62) hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers (68-50) at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, for the opening game of a three-game Freeway Series. The game, which started at 9:38 p.m. ET, was broadcast on FDSW and SportsNet LA. Despite a strong pitching performance from Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto early on, the Angels capitalized on a pivotal fifth inning to secure a 7-4 win, continuing their dominance over the Dodgers this season.

Key Moments

The game began as a pitcher’s duel, with both teams scoreless through the first four innings. Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto (10-7, 2.51 ERA) and Angels starter Jose Soriano (7-9, 4.01 ERA) kept hitters in check, with Soriano allowing just one hit through four innings. However, the Angels broke through in the fifth inning, loading the bases with no outs after singles by Bryce Teodosio and Zach Neto, followed by a hit-by-pitch to Nolan Schanuel. Mike Trout then delivered a two-run single to right field, giving the Angels a 2-0 lead. The inning unraveled further for Yamamoto, who allowed a career-high six earned runs, including additional runs from a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly, putting the Angels ahead 6-0.

The Dodgers mounted a late comeback in the eighth inning. Shohei Ohtani, facing his former team, hit a solo home run—his 41st of the season—narrowing the gap to 6-1. Max Muncy followed with a three-run homer, bringing the score to 6-4. However, the Angels responded in the bottom of the eighth, with Zach Neto scoring on a double-play grounder by Yoán Moncada, restoring a three-run lead at 7-4. The Dodgers failed to score in the ninth, with Angels reliever Shaun Anderson retiring the side, including striking out Ohtani to end the game.

Notable Performances

Angels: Zach Neto went 2-for-4 with a home run and a run scored, while Mike Trout’s two-run single was a turning point. Taylor Ward contributed a two-run homer in the first inning, setting the tone for the Angels’ offense. Shaun Anderson earned the win (1-0, 2.45 ERA), pitching 2.2 innings and allowing one run.
Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani went 3-for-5 with a home run and an RBI, while Max Muncy’s three-run homer provided a spark. Freddie Freeman was replaced by Dalton Rushing at first base in the fifth inning, possibly due to injury concerns, though no official update was provided. Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggled, allowing six earned runs in five innings, a career high.
Defensive Highlight: Mookie Betts made a surprise return to right field in the eighth inning, his first time playing the position in 2025. Betts, a six-time Gold Glove winner, handled a routine fly ball cleanly, sparking discussions about potential lineup adjustments as the postseason nears.

Injury Updates

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, impacting their lineups and strategies:

Dodgers: Michael Conforto was day-to-day with a knee issue and did not start. Tommy Edman (ankle), Kiké Hernández (elbow), and Hyeseong Kim (shoulder) are on the 10-day injured list, while Tanner Scott (elbow), Kirby Yates (back), and several others are on the 15-day or 60-day injured lists.
Angels: Jorge Soler (back) and Chris Taylor (hand) are on the 10-day injured list, with Hunter Strickland, Ben Joyce, and Anthony Rendón on the 60-day injured list.

Recent Context

The Angels have had the upper hand in the 2025 Freeway Series, sweeping the Dodgers in a three-game series in May (outscoring them 23-15), marking their first such sweep since 2010. The Dodgers, despite their 68-50 record and first-place standing in the NL West, have struggled against the Angels, losing all four matchups this season and five straight dating back to last year. This loss further tightened the NL West race, with the Dodgers’ lead over the San Diego Padres shrinking to just one game.

The Dodgers are coming off a 5-5 stretch in their last 10 games, including a frustrating 5-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on August 10, where they left a season-high 16 runners on base. The Angels, meanwhile, are 9-13 in the second half and six games behind the final AL wild-card spot after a 9-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers on August 10.

Looking Ahead

The series continues on August 12, 2025, at 9:38 p.m. ET, with the Dodgers looking to avoid a fifth straight loss to the Angels. Shohei Ohtani is slated to start as the pitcher for the Dodgers in the series finale on August 13, marking his first pitching start against his former team. The Angels will counter with veteran Kyle Hendricks. This pivotal week for the Dodgers includes a subsequent three-game series against the Padres, making a strong performance against the Angels crucial for maintaining their NL West lead.

Analysis

The Dodgers’ early offensive struggles, along with Yamamoto’s uncharacteristic collapse in the fifth inning, gave the Angels an opportunity they seized. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, the Dodgers’ inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position—a recurring issue in recent games—proved costly. The Angels’ aggressive hitting, led by Neto, Trout, and Ward, exploited the Dodgers’ pitching vulnerabilities. Mookie Betts’ return to right field could signal a strategic shift for the Dodgers, especially with injuries thinning their infield depth. As the postseason approaches, manager Dave Roberts faces critical decisions about lineup configurations and pitching rotations.

For the Angels, this win boosts morale as they aim to close the gap in the AL wild-card race. Their ability to dominate the Dodgers this season highlights their potential to play spoiler, even with a sub-.500 record.

Conclusion

The Angels’ 7-4 victory over the Dodgers on August 11, 2025, underscores their surprising edge in the Freeway Series this season. With standout performances from Zach Neto and Mike Trout, and a resilient bullpen effort led by Shaun Anderson, the Angels handed the Dodgers their fifth consecutive loss in the rivalry. As the series continues, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani’s pitching performance against his former team and whether the Dodgers can regroup to maintain their NL West lead.