Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – The Dodgers won their first game back in the United States 7-1 over the Angels as the two Los Angeles teams take part in a three-game freeway-Spring Training series before Opening Day on Thursday.
These two teams have very different outlooks heading into the 2025 season. One is the reigning World Series champs, widely expected to be the best team in baseball, and the other is hoping to compete for a spot in the postseason, where they have not been since 2014.
The Angels project out to be a team that would be lucky to have a winning record, but this could be the most competitive team they have put on the field since the start of the 2020s. Their season depends on the health of Mike Trout, but the supporting cast around him should be improved.
#DodgersWin!
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 24, 2025
FINAL: #Dodgers 7, Angels 1 pic.twitter.com/t3O6GMIxG0
“Being consistent and sustaining. That is it. We have guys that can play, so if they can just be consistent in their game and we can sustain things, we are going to be alright,” said manager Ron Washington.
Taylor Ward, who homered in the third inning, has become a very productive player for the Angels. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, he has hit 62 home runs with a .260 batting average in 388 games. Another player Washington will be relying on, Luis Rengifo, went 1-2 with a walk. He has strung together three straight seasons batting at least .264. They give the lineup two consistent players who are familiar with the system.
Tim Anderson is an x-factor as he tries to revive his career and return to being the player he was in Chicago when he had the best batting average in the league for a season and hit over .300 for four straight years. After two down years at the plate, he has 15 hits during Spring Training.
“Tim is coming along. I thought he had some great at-bats tonight. He ended up getting two hits and played solid defense,” said Washington.
Anderson, along with Jorge Soler and Yoan Moncada, all join the lineup with something to prove and a history of success as big leaguers.
The Dodgers do not have to bet on players breaking out or returning to form. All of the key pieces from their championship roster are back, and out of pure luxury, they added Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to the front of their rotation.
There is a 99 percent chance the Dodgers are good to excellent this season, and they are already 2-0 before anyone else has even won a game. The only real concern right now for the Dodgers is what is going on with their superstar shortstop.
#ITFDB pic.twitter.com/isGJRVcOtW
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 24, 2025
Mookie Betts was originally listed in the starting lineup but was scratched 30 minutes before game time. Betts has not been able to hold down food for nearly two weeks, which caused him to miss all of the Tokyo Series.
The three-time World Series champion feels fine and is itching to play due to his competitive nature. Betts is healthy and, in theory, could start on Opening Day, but he is down 25 pounds from his listed playing weight and would be taking the field on a completely empty stomach.
“I was fine this morning. I got to the park and went about my routine, and then I had to go throw up again. I am not exactly sure what it is,” said Betts.
It really is not worth it for the Dodgers to push him until they can get to the bottom of his stomach issue. Titles are won in October, not March.
“I feel great. My body feels great. I have been able to work out and do pretty much everything except eat, which is strange,” said Betts. “I might have to just drink some smoothies or something and go play at 150 pounds.”
The Dodgers will host their Dodgers Stadium opener on Thursday against the Tigers, and the Angels will take the field for their first official game of 2025 in Chicago against the White Sox.
Featured Image: File Photo. Mookie Betts-Los Angeles Dodgers vs Oakland Athletics
Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Hohokam Park in Mesa, Arizona. The Dodgers beat the A’s 2-1Photo by Jon SooHoo/©Los Angeles Dodgers,LLC 2021
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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