Sebastián Rivero's Stellar Performance Leads Angels to Victory Over Dodgers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a standout display, backup catcher Sebastián Rivero went a perfect 5 for 5, driving in six runs and playing a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Angels' 13-5 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. This win allowed the Angels to avoid a complete season sweep, as the Dodgers had previously dominated the Freeway Series, winning five out of six games with a cumulative score of 46-18.

The Dodgers, who currently lead the NL West, had faced a disappointing turn of events as the Angels' lower batting order shone brightly. The last four hitters in the Angels lineup collectively went 13 for 15, contributing significantly to their scoring efforts. Notably, Jo Adell, batting sixth, struck out against reliever Kyle Hurt in the eighth, but not before posting a 4 for 5 performance that included a two-run homer and four runs scored.

Starting pitcher José Soriano (7-4) managed to secure the win despite allowing five runs—four of which were earned—over six innings, while striking out two. The Angels’ offense flourished without their star player Mike Trout, who struggled throughout the series, finishing with no hits in 13 at-bats and tallying six strikeouts. Instead, Rivero, hitting ninth, became the hero of the day, with key contributions from No. 7 hitter Nick Madrigal, who drew three walks and saw 32 pitches in his first three plate appearances.

The Angels initially took a commanding 6-1 lead, but the Dodgers fought back, narrowing the gap to 6-5 thanks to back-to-back homers from Dalton Rushing, who ended the day with a perfect 4 for 4 and nearly achieved a cycle, and Ryan Ward in the sixth inning. However, the Angels responded with a six-run seventh inning, highlighted by Zach Neto’s three-run homer that chased reliever Jonathan Hernández.

Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan (3-3) had a rough outing, lasting just 1 1/3 innings and giving up two runs along with three hits and two walks, before being pulled after only 49 pitches. Looking ahead, the Angels will start left-hander Sam Aldegheri (1-0, 2.45 ERA) in their upcoming series against Houston, while the Dodgers will send lefty Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.74 ERA) to the mound against the Pirates.