DODGERS’ Shohei Ohtani (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Two solo home runs – one each by Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman – plus outstanding pitching made for a 2-1 win Monday night over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

Ohtani launched a leadoff home run in the first inning, giving the Blue Crew a 1-0 early lead, and himself his 17th round-tripper of the season.

Byron Buxton quickly matched that in the bottom of the first which with his own blast, the 25th of the year.
The Dodgers got what proved to be the key hit of the game in the top of the sixth with Freeman’s 13th homer, a liner to deep center field.

That was all the scoring of the game, and Eric Lauer (3-5) got the win by going six scoreless and hitless innings. He struck out two Twins and walked three.

Zebby Matthews (3-5) took the loss for the home team. He pitched six innings, getting touched for six hits, two runs (both earned) and two home runs. He struck out five Dodgers and walked two.

LAD is now 50-29 and in first in the National League West by 9.5 games.

Too deep a hole for Halos

JOSE SOLER homered for the Angels (Angels photo).

The Angels fell behind early and couldn’t close the gap on Monday in Anaheim against the Baltimore Orioles, losing 6-1.
Nolan Schanuel and Jose Soler has the best nights for the home team.

Schanuel batted 2-for-4 and Soler scored the Angels’ only run on a home run in the bottom of the ninth.

Taylor Ward returned to the Big A, but now as an Oriole, hitting a first inning homer for the visitors.

With the loss, the Angels are 32-48 and remain in last place in the American League West.

The two teams play again today (Tuesday).