It was the first game of the Freeway Series, Canning vs Miller, a real test for the regular season. The Dodgers had the advantage of having played 2 real games already, but also having a good team. All the Angels could hope for would be getting them late with scrubs vs scrubs. Either that or just be typical Spring Angels, since, for some reason, the Angels play the Dodgers well this spring anyway.
Canning went 4 and 2/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 3 hits, walking 2 and striking out 8. If he was just trying to fine tune his put away pitches, he did a good job.
Alas, Miller had the Angels stumped, as the Angels did not score on him, or most of the Dodgers bullpen. But at least they did score in the 7th to keep it from being a shutout. Alas, it was not enough and the Angels lost the first game of the Freeway Series.
Highlighted Recap
The pain started in the 2nd, when Canning gave up a double to Heyward, bringing in the first run of the game.
Two more immediately scored as Canning gave up a bloop to Lux.
A walk with the bases loaded would score the 4th run of the game. 4-0 Dodgers.
It was quiet after that on both sides until the 7th, when Neto hit an RBI triple that the Dodgers failed to overturn on replay.
After an RBI groundout by Sano, Jake Marisnick, of all people, drove in one more more with a double and it was a game now.
That run was given back immediately, however, as a sac fly made it 5-3 Dodgers in the bottom of the 7th.
Anyway, Angels lose, but this doesn’t technically count, so whatever.
Upcoming
Two more Freeway Series Games. Tomorrow at Dodger Stadium at a more reasonable time of 6 PM and at Angel Stadium on Tuesday just after 6 PM. The Series can still be won. Eh, have a drink, we will need it.
