The Los Angeles Angels (17-25) and Los Angeles Dodgers (29-15) are set to face off in the series opener at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers enter the matchup as heavy favorites while the Angels look to bounce back after dropping five of their last seven games.
Starting Pitchers
Los Angeles Angels – Jack Kochanowicz (RHP, 2-5, 5.40 ERA)
- Kochanowicz has struggled this season, allowing a .297 opponent batting average.
- He has pitched six or more innings in four of his seven starts, but has yet to complete a game without allowing an earned run.
- In his last outing against the Padres, he gave up five earned runs over six innings.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dustin May (RHP, 1-3, 4.08 ERA)
- May has been solid in his last eight starts, averaging 5.6 innings per outing.
- He has three quality starts this season and has held opponents to a .227 batting average.
- In his most recent start against the Diamondbacks, he pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs.
Key Players to Watch
Los Angeles Angels
- Shohei Ohtani (DH) – Batting .307 with 13 home runs, ranking fourth in MLB in homers.
- Nolan Schanuel (1B) – Has two home runs and 18 walks, hitting .259 this season.
- Zach Neto (SS) – Batting .282 with two home runs and four RBIs over his last 10 games.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Freddie Freeman (1B) – Batting .324 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs, providing consistency in the lineup.
- Shohei Ohtani (DH) – Has seven home runs in his last 10 games, making him a power threat.
- Mookie Betts (RF) – Leads the team with 10 doubles and a .471 slugging percentage.
Game Strategy & Predictions
- Angels’ Game Plan:
- Take advantage of May’s occasional struggles, working deep counts to force early bullpen usage.
- Utilize Ohtani and Schanuel’s ability to get on base to create scoring opportunities.
- Kochanowicz must limit hard contact, as the Dodgers rank first in MLB in batting average (.267).
- Dodgers’ Game Plan:
- Freeman and Betts need to set the tone early against Kochanowicz.
- May must avoid walks, as the Angels have been effective at capitalizing on free passes.
- The Dodgers’ bullpen must be ready, as May has struggled to go deep into games.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Angels 9.5
Los Angeles Dodgers – 298
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 15, 2025
