Dodgers and Angels both in first

By OC Tribune Staff on April 9, 2021 • ( 1 Comment )

JUSTIN TURNER homered for the only Dodger run in a 1-0 win over the Washington Nationals Friday night (Flickr).

Turner, Buehler too much for Nats

Justin Turner’s solo home run in the sixth inning was all the offense his team would need Friday night at Chavez Ravine as the Los Angeles Dodgers bested the Washington Nationals 1-0.

Turner, who is batting .414 in the young season, had three of the Dodgers’ four hits in the game. That underwhelming offense was offset by great pitching. Starter Walker Buehler (1-0) working six shutout innings, yielding six hits, striking out four Nats and walking none. Closer Corey Knebel picked up his second save by striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Friday’s win improved the Dodgers’ record to 6-2. They lead the National League West by a game and a half over the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres (each 4-3.

The Dodgers will host Washington (1-3) again on Saturday.

Showtime for Shohei and the Angels

Sidelined from pitching for a few days because of a blister on a finger on his pitching hand, Shohei Ohtani did what he also does well: he hits. Against the Toronto Blue Jays in a game played in Florida, he homered and drove in four runs as the Los Angeles Angels won 7-1 to improve their record to 6-2.

That’s enough for a tie for first place in the American League West with the Houston Astros. Houston is lost 6-1 to Oakland this night.

Andrew Heaney (1-1) pitched six shutout innings, giving up just three hits. He struck out nine Blue Jays and walked two.

Jared Walsh also homered for the Orange County team, a two-run blast. The Angels and Jays will mix it up again on Saturday with Jose Quintana (0-0) getting the start for the Halos.

Clippers win; Ducks and Kings lose

Clippers 126, Houston 109: A 41-10 second quarter advantage was too much for the Rockets to overcome in losing to the Clippers. Reggie Jackson scored 29 points and Ivica Zubac 26 to lead LAL (36-18) to the win.
San Jose 5, Kings 2: Alex Iadallo and Jaret Anderson-Dolan lit the red lamp for LA, but it wasn’t enough as the teams record dropped to 15-18-6, seventh in the Western Conference.
Colorado 2, Ducks 0. The Orange County team sunk further into last place (12-22-7) in the NHL Western Conference with the loss.

High schools: Rancho-LA game cancelled

Friday’s Garden Grove League football game between Rancho Alamitos (4-0) and Los Amigos (0-3) was cancelled and might not be rescheduled.

According to a Rancho source, the game was called because a Los Amigos player tested positive for COVID-19. Our reporter was advised to check Monday to see if the game might be played next week.

Earlier this week, Bolsa Grande’s game against Loara was cancelled because the Matadors were not able to field enough players.

Friday’s most exciting game turned out to be Edison’s 44-41 win over Corona del Mar in five overtimes. Braedon Boyles threw for 233 yards and ran for 54 more and four scores as the Chargers improved to 4-1 overall and nailed down second place in the league.

It wasn’t the only overtime game played Friday. Segerstrom rallied from a 20-6 deficit to defeat Garden Grove 26-20 in extra time in a Pac-4 clash. The Jaguars’ win sets up a league title showdown next Friday between Segerstrom (2-0 overall and in league) and Marina (4-1, 2-0). Garden Grove (2-3, 0-2) will play Katella (2-2, 0-2) next Friday as well.

Here’s the lineup of Friday night contests for schools serving The Tribune’s coverage area.