Jack Kochanowicz delivered a standout performance with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, and the Los Angeles Angels backed him with five double plays and a two-run homer from Yoán Moncada in a 6-2 victory over the Dodgers in Friday night’s Freeway Series opener.
Moncada wasted no time, taking the first pitch he saw from Dodgers starter Dustin May deep for a two-run blast in the first inning to give the Angels an early lead.
The Angels padded their advantage in the fourth after May hit Matthew Lugo and Tim Anderson with consecutive pitches. Zach Neto followed with a two-run double to left, making it 4-0.
Kochanowicz (3-5) scattered five hits, walked four, and struck out five to earn his second straight win — the first time he’s won back-to-back starts this year.
Shohei Ohtani brought the Dodgers back into the game in the eighth with his 16th homer off Ryan Zeferjahn. Max Muncy had already knocked in L.A.’s first run with an RBI double earlier in the frame.
But the Angels responded in the ninth, with Nolan Schanuel singling home two insurance runs off the Dodgers’ bullpen to seal the victory.
May (1-4) gave up four runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out eight and walked two in the loss.
Moncada exited in the ninth after aggravating a lingering right thumb injury.
Key Moment
Kochanowicz benefited from strong defense behind him, as the Angels turned four of their five double plays during his outing. His elite groundball rate — second-best in the American League since mid-2024 — played a significant role. The five double plays tied a Dodgers franchise record for most turned by an opponent since August 2015.
Key Stat
Dodgers rookie Hyeseong Kim saw his on-base streak snapped at nine consecutive plate appearances after grounding out in the eighth.
Up Next
Veteran Clayton Kershaw is set to make his season debut for the Dodgers on Saturday after returning from the injured list. He’ll face off against Angels lefty Tyler Anderson (2-1, 2.58 ERA).
