The Los Angeles Angels faced a challenging start to their Cactus League season, suffering a significant 15-2 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 16, 2024. The game took place at Tempe Diablo Stadium, with a sellout crowd of 9,631 fans in attendance.
Pitiful Pitching Performance
The Angels’ pitching staff struggled early, allowing nine runs before their fourth batter stepped to the plate. Right-hander José Soriano had a particularly tough outing, surrendering four runs while recording just two outs. Soriano faced three singles, all ground balls, and issued two walks in a taxing first inning that required 31 pitches. He was replaced after just two outs, returning briefly to face a single batter in the second inning.
“His stuff was good,” said manager Kurt Suzuki regarding Soriano’s performance. “He gave up some ground balls with two strikes that found holes. It’s one of those days where you really can’t control some of that stuff. But I thought overall he looked good.”
Left-hander Mitch Farris also struggled, facing six hitters in the second inning and managing to retire only one. He was charged with five runs on four hits. Fellow left-hander Sam Aldegheri provided some relief, conceding just one run over 1.1 innings, while Sammy Natera Jr. allowed a run on three consecutive hits but struck out the next three batters to limit further damage.
In a brighter moment for the Angels, right-hander Najer Victor pitched a scoreless inning, showcasing his fastball, which averaged 97 mph. Victor is currently in the minor-league camp but is preparing to pitch for Great Britain in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Minor-league right-hander Keythel Key capped the game by allowing four runs in the ninth inning.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Errors
The Angels’ offensive efforts were overshadowed by the Dodgers’ dominance. Notably, outfielder Jorge Soler made an impact early with a double off the left-field fence in his first plate appearance. Soler also made hard contact with another hit that reached 103 mph, resulting in an infield single after a diving stop by the third baseman.
“It was a tough day overall, but we’ll learn from it,” Soler remarked after the game.
Outfielder Jo Adell nearly connected for a two-run homer but instead reached second base on a two-base error after Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez dropped the ball. Zach Neto was involved in the Angels’ first Automated Ball-Strike challenge of the spring, successfully overturning a low pitch called a strike, although he struck out in both of his at-bats.
Behind the plate, catcher Logan O’Hoppe managed to drive in a run with a single and was hit by a pitch. Despite some offensive highlights, the Angels struggled defensively, with third baseman Yoán Moncada failing to make a play on a backhanded ball, which was ruled a double, and also committing an error on a routine ground ball.
The Angels now look to regroup as they prepare for their next game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, scheduled for March 17, 2024, at 12:10 p.m. PT at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.
