Twin losses for the Angels and the Dodgers once again

Despite a slow week or so, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain in first place.

After a 7-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals Friday at Busch Stadium, the Blue Crew is 20-12, and still a a half-game ahead of the second place San Diego Padres in the National League West.

The Dodgers fell behind 3-0 in the first inning on a three-run homer by Nolan Gorman and the visitors could never catch up. Leading 4-2 in the seventh, the Cards put the game away with three runs and the help of a Dodger error, one of two in the game.

LAD managed seven hits, but leadoff man Shohei Ohtani was 0-for-5 and struck out once. The 2025 National League MVP is in an unusual hitting slump, batting a modest .261.

Emmet Sheehan (2-1) had a rough start, giving up eight hits – including two homers – and four runs in 4.2 innings. He struck out eight batters and walked two.

The teams will face off again on Saturday.

In Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels surged to an early 3-0 lead over the New York Mets, but couldn’t hold on to it. With the score tied at 3-3, Ronny Mauricio hit a solo homer in the top of top of the seventh.

The final was 4-3, Mets, and a seventh straight loss for the Halos. They’re now 12-21 and tied for fourth and last place in the American League West.

Jorge Soler had the best night for the Angels with a two-run homer, but the offense was weak otherwise with just three hits and 14 strikeouts.

The teams will meet again on Saturday.