CLAYTON KERSHAW struck out seven batters and gave up just one hit as the Dodgers beat the Angels 9-1 on Friday (Flickr/David Slaughter).

By Pete Zarustica/Orange County Tribune

Nothing could have illustrated the gap between the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers more than Friday’s “Freeway Series” game in Anaheim.

The Blue Crew hammered the Halos 9-1 and Clayton Kershaw (7-2) threw seven no-hit innings in the one-sided victory that underlined the difference between what – right now – might be the best and the worst teams in Major League Baseball.

It was only two hits and a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth by Brandon Marsh that kept the Angels from being totally embarrassed before 44,000 fans in Anaheim.

The win improved the Dodgers’ record to 59-30. They’re still in first in the National League West, 9.5 games ahead of San Diego. It was their ninth win in 10 games.

As for the Angels (39-52), they remain mired in fourth in the AL West. It was their eighth loss in 10 games.

Kershaw was the night’s star, working eight innings and giving up just one hit and no runs. He struck out seven batters and walked none.

At bat, the Dodgers had 12 hits. Willie Smith was 4-for-4 with three runs scored. Justin Turner was 3-for-5 with four runs batted in.

The two teams will close out the season’s “first half” – before the All-Star break – with a game at 7:07 p.m. today (Saturday).