The Los Angeles Dodgers remained shorthanded in their first game since returning from Tokyo but rallied against Kenley Jansen for a 7-1 comeback win against to the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of the exhibition Freeway Series.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman both were in the Dodgers lineup when it was announced, but their shortstop was scratched shortly before first pitch. Betts did not play in any of the Dodgers’ games at the Tokyo Dome because of lingering effects from an illness he contracted during the team’s final days in Arizona.
Freeman, who was scratched on Opening Day and held out in the second game against the Chicago Cubs because of left rib discomfort, went 0-for-2 in his return.
Heralded Dodgers prospect Jackson Ferris received the start for his first time pitching at Dodger Stadium, and held the Angels to just one run over 3.2 innings. he lone damage Ferris allowed was a solo home run by Taylor Ward in the third inning.
He did exit with two runners in scoring position, whom Ben Casparius stranded.
That paid dividends in the bottom of the fifth inning when Max Muncy ambushed the first pitch he saw from José Soriano for a game-tying home run.
The Dodgers had a chance to take the lead in the sixth but Michael Conforto struck out with the bases loaded. They broke through in the seventh inning on Chris Okey’s two-run double against Jansen.
The table had been for Okey by Zyhir Hope and Andy Pages both walking to put two on with nobody out.
Kirby Yates struck out the side in the eighth inning and Alex Vesia entered in the ninth to finish the game. It was tracking to be a save opportunity before Chris Taylor’s two-run double extended the Dodgers’ lead.
Dodgers Freeway Series games
Next for the Dodgers is consecutive games at Angel Stadium to wrap up the exhibition Freeway Series before an off day Wednesday and resumption of their regular season schedule.
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