Dodgers at Angels
The Los Angeles Angels were able to bide their time in the series opener before taking advantage of the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen en route to a 5-3 victory. The Angels look to complete a sweep of the two-game interleague set when they host the Dodgers on Tuesday.
The Angels, who trailed 3-0 early Monday, were limited to one run over six innings by Hyun-Jin Ryu before scoring four runs on two hits (one homer), three walks and two wild pitches against a trio of relievers. Kole Calhoun homered and singled to improve to 6-for-15 during his four-game hitting streak and Mike Trout also went deep, giving him five blasts and 10 RBIs in 10 contests this month. Chris Taylor recorded a two-run double and scored during a three-run second inning for the Dodgers, who fell to 4-3 on their eight-game road trip. Justin Turner has been swinging a hot bat of late, going 7-for-14 during his four-game hitting streak while Cody Bellinger ended his season-high three-game drought Monday with a single.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network; SportsNet LA (Dodgers), FS West (Angels)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (7-2, 3.48 ERA) vs. Angels RH Felix Pena (3-1, 4.53)
After winning each of his previous four starts, Maeda settled for a no-decision in Arizona on Wednesday after allowing one run and two hits over five innings. The 31-year-old native of Japan has given up six runs and 14 hits over 28 2/3 frames in his last five turns, registering 35 strikeouts while issuing only three walks. Maeda has made three starts and one relief appearance against the Angels in his career, going 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA while fanning 21 batters in 17 innings.
Pena has followed an opener in seven of his last eight appearances after making four traditional starts to begin the season and is expected to do so again Tuesday. The 29-year-old Dominican worked only 1 2/3 innings against Oakland on Wednesday but escaped with a no-decision after surrendering seven runs on eight hits and two walks. Pena has permitted three runs on seven hits and seven walks with 18 strikeouts over 12 1/3 frames in four career games (two starts) versus the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Trout has scored at least one run in 11 consecutive games.
2. Dodgers 1B David Freese was kept out of the starting lineup for the series opener because of tendinitis in his right knee.
3. The Angels recalled Jake Jewell from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday and optioned fellow RHP Nick Tropeano to the Bees.