Angels Drop Freeway Series Finale

There is never a dull moment when the Angels take on the Dodgers, regardless if they play at Angel Stadium of Chavez Ravine. This series was no different as the two long rivaled southern California teams finished the 2021 campaign versus one another, with the Dodgers earning the last laugh.

As fans got comfortable in their seats under the California sun, the Dodgers offense jumped all over rookie Reid Detmers for five runs through the first two innings in just his second Major League start. All-Star Max Muncy kicked off the scoring with an RBI Single through the shift into left field, scoring the newly acquired Trea Turner. Fellow All-Star Justin Turner added to the mix with a fielder’s choice grounded at shortstop Jose Iglesias, who attempted to make a spectacular play by gunning Muncy out at home, but his throw to Max Stassi sailed high, giving the ‘Boys In Blue’ a 2-0 lead. Detmers bounced back and finished the inning striking out the side (Seager, Taylor and Bellinger).

The Angels threatened to score with two-on and two-out in the second after a single by Brandon Marsh and walk by Reid Detmers (first career at-bat), but failed to score off Dodgers starter Walker Buehler as Jack Mayfield softly popped up to first for the final out.

The dynamic defense of Marsh highlighted the afternoon as he robbed Muncy of extra-bases with a nifty over the shoulder catch.

Yielding two-out runs has been a trend plaguing Angels pitchers all season long. This afternoon was no different as AJ Pollock added to the Dodgers lead, 3-0, with a RBI Single deflecting off the glove of David Fletcher into the outfield and [Trea] Turner sprinting all the way home from first base. The damage was yet to end, until former Angel Albert Pujols, who is batting .308 against left-handers this season, pinched hit for Justin Turner who exited today’s game in the second with left groin discomfort. Pujols ripped a 3-0 fastball deep into the bleachers in left field for his 678th career home run.

Down 5-0, the “Goose” got the Halos on the board in the visiting half of the third with a RBI Double that plated Fletcher. In 63 games this season, Phil Gosselin now has nine doubles and 26 RBI.

After a forgetful first two innings, Detmers got back on the horse, tossing three shutout innings and retiring nine of the final 11 batters he faced. This start for the 22-year-old was eerily familiar to his debut last week against Oakland where he used his breaking ball for strikeouts, but lost command with his fastball in the strike zone, leading to big home runs.

Detmers Final Line: 5 IP | 7 H | 5 ER | 2 BB | 5 K | 1 HR (97 Pitches - 65 Strikes)

Angels No. 23 prospect Packy Naughton came out of the bullpen for his much awaited debut after getting the call up to the big leagues on August 4. After recording back-to-back outs following a lead-off single by Billy McKinney, a fan rushed the outfield eluding security guards except for the Dodgers right field ball girl who eventually took down the deranged fan.

Unfortunately, the momentary delay in the game sparked yet another Pollock RBI base hit. Naughton closed out the inning, inducing Seager to ground out to Iglesias to complete his first Major League outing.

Even though offense was not the Angels friend today, Jo Adell impressed, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and two doubles, which the second came in the eighth inning scoring Gosselin. In Adell’s six games this season, he is batting .304 (7-for-23) with 4 RBI and 4 doubles. His approach at the plate has drastically changed since 2020 as he is showing more patience and plate awareness.

With an 8-2 loss, the Dodgers picked up the series win, while the season series between the two southern California clubs ends tied at three.

The Angels are back at .500 (56-56) for the 21st time this season, sitting 8 games back of the A’s in the wild card race. Following the team’s first off-day since July 21, the Halos will begin a seven-game homestand Tuesday (doubleheader) against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels News & Notes

• David Fletcher has recorded a hit in 13 of his last 14 games versus the Dodgers
• Angels recalled RHP Aaron Slegers from Triple-A Salt Lake and Optioned RHP Andrew Wantz back to Triple-A Salt Lake
• Angels are hopeful that 1B Jared Walsh will be activated from the IL (Right Intercostal Strain) on Tuesday versus Toronto
• 2021 1st Round pick RHP Sam Bachman has joined High-A Tri-City Dust Devils and will be making his first pro start tonight on the road versus Eugene Emeralds
• Rotation for Series vs. TOR - TUES: Rodriguez & Suarez, WED: Bundy, THURS: Ohtani