The annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels featured some of the league’s biggest stars, from Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw on one side to Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout on the other.
Kershaw was key to the Dodgers earning a 2-0 victory in the series opener by throwing seven scoreless innings. L.A. then won by the same score on Wednesday after mustering just enough offense against Ohtani to complete a sweep of their crosstown rival.
In addition to being two of the most accomplished players of their generation, Betts and Trout are good friends off the field. The superstars exchanged jerseys and posed for a photo at the completion of the Freeway Series.
Betts previously swapped jerseys with Bryce Harper after the Dodgers’ series against the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this month.
Real recognize real. pic.twitter.com/8ItZwmkLEY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 22, 2023
Betts’ and Trout’s friendship dates back to the former’s time with the Boston Red Sox. When Betts signed a historic contract extension months after being traded to the Dodgers, Trout sent him a congratulatory text.
Trout was also responsible for recruiting Betts to play for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Trout additionally appeared on Betts’ podcast before Wednesday’s game.
Betts and Trout both are well on track for Cooperstown and have continued to play at an elite level. Betts is hitting .260/.359/.502 with 15 doubles, 17 home runs and 43 RBI in 71 games, and Trout owns a .250/.358/.466 slash line with 28 extra-base hits and 39 RBI through 71 games.
Mookie Betts: Dodgers-Angels ‘not in the same stratosphere’ of Red Sox-Yankees rivalry
Days after manager Dave Roberts downplayed the rivalry between the Dodgers and Angels, Betts said the Freeway Series doesn’t compare to the Red Sox’s matchups with the New York Yankees.
Betts spent six seasons with the Red Sox and was a key figure in their rivalry with the Yankees, which is considered one of the best in sports.
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