Angels 2, Dodgers 2 (Tie)
TEMPE, Ariz. (Mar. 3) — A two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth by pinch-hitter Myles Emmerson salvaged a 2–2 tie for the Los Angeles Angels as they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday in Cactus League play.
The Dodgers had three hits, but thanks to 10 walks, a hit batter, and 14 baserunners, none of the three hits factored into their scoring, which came via two bases-loaded walks in the top of the fourth. Former Colorado Rockies reliever Carlos Estevez, whom the Angels signed December 5, walked the first three batters he faced in that frame. After striking out designated hitter J.D. Martinez, Estévez walked center fielder Trayce Thompson to plate the first Dodgers run.
That brought the hook from manager Phil Nevin, who brought in left-hander Kolton Ingram to finish the inning. The first hitter Ingram faced — left-handed-hitting left fielder David Peralta — struck out. But when right-handed-hitting right fielder Jonny Deluca drew a follow-up walk, the lead grew to 2–0. Ingram escaped without further damage by striking out second baseman Mookie Betts for the third out.
The Angels Rally
The Angels entered the bottom of the ninth still trailing by the same score. A leadoff walk by outfielder Jordyn Adams brought the tying run to the plate in the form of first baseman Taylor Jones, who flied to center. Second baseman Kyler Paris also walked, putting the tying run on first.
Shortstop Zach Neto went down on a called third strike, bringing up Emmerson as the final hope. He smoked a liner inches inside the right-field line. Right fielder Kyle Nevin — Angels manager Phil Nevin’s son — got to the ball and fired toward home, trying to prevent the tying run. But the relay throw was wide, and the diving Paris was safe. Angels left fielder Jo Adell could not bring Emmerson home, striking out to end the game.
The Angels, Dodgers Pitchers
Angels starter Tyler Anderson, who made the All-Star team with the Dodgers last season, pitched two scoreless innings in his first start of the spring. His only blemishes were a one-out walk in each inning, the latter of which was erased when Thompson grounded into a 5–4–3 double play to retire the side.
Nevin said of Anderson, “He got his work in. I know (his location wasn’t what) he wanted. But he hasn’t seen many hitters yet. (It was) the first time out there, getting his feet wet. He hasn’t faced many hitters. We’re working on some new stuff with him. I’m not worried about him at all. We’re gonna keep running him out there. I know by Opening Day he’ll be good to go.”
Anderson said his outing was “really a chance to pitch on the clock.” He added, “Obviously, you want to go out and compete and get guys out. But I really wanted to see how I felt with this clock. Would I feel like I was rushed or out of breath or had to hurry up? Make changes, game management type stuff. For me, that’s what the goal was.”
Facing his former team also factored into Anderson’s goals for the outing. “You don’t want to go out and embarrass yourself,” he said. “And those guys obviously want to talk a lot of smack. They’re my buddies, but you want to make sure you don’t give them too many bragging rights.” He added that his delivery was a bit off but explained that the Angels are having him change his release point, so that was to be expected as he still works it out.
Tony Gonsolin
Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin also had his first spring outing Friday. With his 2022 season ending in injury, this was a highly anticipated start. Manager Dave Roberts said the team’s goal was to get him “into the third inning.” He scattered three hits across 2 1/3 innings, so mission accomplished. Gonsolin said he was “feeling good, feeling strong.” He added that his goal for the season is to make it “wall to wall, start to finish, and leave the results out of it. Whatever they are, go out there and try to do my best.” Roberts said he “thought Tony was good. I thought the ball was coming out okay.” He added, “The breaking ball, that split-change was good.”
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers continue Cactus League play Saturday evening in Surprise, Arizona against the Kansas City Royals. First pitch at Surprise Stadium will be at 6:05 pm Mountain Time (5:05 Pacific). The Angels will continue their slate Saturday afternoon in Mesa, Arizona against the Chicago Cubs. First pitch will be 1:05 pm Mountain Time (12:05 pm Pacific) at Sloan Park.
Photo Credit:
TEMPE, Ariz. (Mar. 3) — Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels pitches to Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes as Freddie Freeman runs the bases in the top of the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The Cactus League contest ended in a 2–2 tie. (Photo by Evan Thompson)
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