Backup catcher Sebastián Rivero delivered the best offensive game of his major league career Sunday afternoon, going 5-for-5 with six RBIs as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 13-5 at Dodger Stadium.
Rivero led a dominant performance from the bottom of the Angels lineup, helping Los Angeles avoid a season sweep in the Freeway Series. The Angels snapped a five-game losing streak against their crosstown rivals after the Dodgers had won the first five meetings between the clubs this season.
While the Dodgers still claimed the season series by winning five of six games, the Angels finished the rivalry matchup on a high note with one of their most complete offensive performances of the year.
Rivero Sparks Explosive Offensive Performance
The Angels generated offense throughout the lineup, but Rivero stood at the center of the attack.
Batting ninth, Rivero collected five hits and drove in six runs. He opened the scoring in the second inning with a two-run bloop single that gave Los Angeles a 2-0 lead.
He struck again in the fourth inning, lining another two-run single through a drawn-in infield to stretch the advantage to 4-1.
Rivero continued adding to his remarkable day as the Angels repeatedly found success against Dodgers pitching. His performance helped fuel a huge afternoon from the lower half of the batting order.
The final four hitters in the Angels lineup combined for 13 hits in 15 official at-bats. Together, they scored 10 runs and drove in 10 more.
Bottom Of Order Leads The Way
Los Angeles received contributions throughout its lineup despite Mike Trout providing little production.
Trout finished the series 0-for-13 with six strikeouts and went hitless again Sunday. The Angels overcame that absence thanks to exceptional performances from several unlikely contributors.
Jo Adell finished 4-for-5 with a two-run home run and scored four times. Jose Siri went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
Nick Madrigal played a critical role despite recording only one hit. Batting seventh, he drew three walks while forcing Dodgers pitchers to throw 32 pitches during his first three plate appearances. He later added a single during the Angels’ biggest inning.
The relentless pressure created by the lower half of the order kept Los Angeles in control throughout the afternoon.
Dodgers Rally Before Angels Pull Away
The Angels appeared to have the game under control after building a 6-1 lead.
However, the Dodgers mounted a comeback in the sixth inning.
Dalton Rushing launched a three-run homer before Ryan Ward followed immediately with a solo shot. The back-to-back home runs cut the deficit to 6-5 and briefly shifted momentum toward the National League West leaders.
Rushing continued his impressive day at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 and falling just a triple short of hitting for the cycle.
The Dodgers seemed poised to make the game competitive down the stretch.
Instead, the Angels responded immediately.
Six-Run Seventh Puts Game Away
Los Angeles delivered the knockout blow in the seventh inning.
The Angels batted around and scored six runs against Dodgers reliever Jonathan Hernández. The rally transformed a one-run game into a comfortable lead.
The biggest hit came from Zach Neto, who launched a three-run homer during the inning. The blast chased Hernández from the game and gave the Angels complete control.
By the end of the inning, the Angels had expanded their lead to 12-5 and effectively ended any hopes of a Dodgers comeback.
The offensive outburst capped one of the club’s most productive games of the season.
Soriano Battles Through Six Innings
José Soriano earned the victory despite facing a dangerous Dodgers lineup.
The right-hander improved to 7-4 after allowing five runs, four earned, on eight hits over six innings. He struck out two and worked through several difficult situations while receiving strong run support from his offense.
Soriano carried a comfortable lead for much of the game before the Dodgers’ sixth-inning rally narrowed the margin.
Once the Angels responded offensively in the seventh, the pressure eased considerably.
The bullpen handled the remaining innings and secured the win.
Dodgers Starter Exits Early
The Dodgers never received the outing they needed from starter Emmet Sheehan.
The right-hander lasted only 1 1/3 innings and threw 49 pitches, including 35 during a laborious second inning. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before manager Dave Roberts turned to the bullpen.
Los Angeles relied heavily on its relievers for the remainder of the game, but the Angels continued to produce runs against nearly every pitcher they faced.
Up Next
The Angels return home Monday to begin a series against the Houston Astros. Left-hander Sam Aldegheri is scheduled to start after recently being recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.
The Dodgers have Monday off before opening a road series Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Left-hander Eric Lauer is expected to face Pirates ace Paul Skenes in the series opener.
