The Los Angeles Angels secured a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 5, 2024, in Anaheim, California. Jo Adell delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the 10th inning, driving in Taylor Ward from third base with a single to left field. This win marks the Angels’ sixth consecutive triumph over their city rivals in the Freeway Series.
Adell’s game-winning hit followed a strategic play that saw Ward, who contributed significantly with a home run and three runs scored, start the inning as the automatic runner at second. Ward advanced to third on a successful bunt single by Christian Moore, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. The Angels’ victory also stands as their ninth walk-off win of the 2024 season, which ties them for the most in Major League Baseball.
Key Moments Define the Game
The match was filled with pivotal moments, including an impressive eighth triple play by the Angels, the first since August 18, 2023. This rare feat occurred in the sixth inning when Miguel Rojas and Dalton Rushing hit consecutive singles off reliever Brock Burke. With Shohei Ohtani at bat, he hit a soft liner that was caught by shortstop Zach Neto. Neto stepped on second base to double off Rojas and then threw to first to triple off Rushing, showcasing the team’s defensive prowess.
In a dramatic top of the ninth, Ohtani had initially given the Dodgers a 6-5 lead with a towering home run off reliever Kenley Jansen, marking his 43rd of the season. This home run broke a tie with Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the National League lead and extended Ohtani’s home run streak to four games. Notably, this home run also ended Jansen’s remarkable 21-game streak without allowing an earned run.
The Angels responded in the bottom of the ninth, with Luis Rengifo scoring on a sacrifice fly by Nolan Schanuel, which set up the climactic conclusion in the 10th.
Offensive Contributions Shine
The game featured a strong offensive display from both teams. Besides Ward’s efforts, Rushing contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ performance with two hits, including a two-run home run in the second inning. Teoscar Hernandez also made his mark with two hits and two RBIs. The Dodgers initially took the lead in the first inning with an RBI single from Hernandez but faced a strong response from the Angels.
Los Angeles surged ahead with three runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by Ward’s single and an RBI double from Yoan Moncada. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as the Dodgers tied it 3-3 in the second and later equalized at 5-5 in the fifth inning through a key two-out RBI single from Hernandez and a bases-loaded walk by Andy Pages.
As a result of this loss, the Dodgers fell into a tie with the San Diego Padres for first place in the National League West, marking their third consecutive defeat.
Overall, the Angels demonstrated resilience and skill, managing to secure a hard-fought victory that enhances their standing in the competitive league.
