Photo Credit: Harry How/Getty Images

POST-GAME BRIEFING

In the first game of the freeway series, the Dodgers controlled both sides of the ball. On the defensive side, Clayton Kershaw looked sharp with 6 Ks over seven innings; the only blemish was a solo home run to Anthony Rendon in the 5th. For the offense, Cody Bellinger finally had his breakout night, blasting a two-run homers twice: in the 6th and 8th innings. Though the Angels tried to mount a comeback late, scoring two runs in the 8th and one in the bottom of the 9th, the Dodgers pulled out the win 7-4. They stand alone at the top of the NL west with a 14-7 record.

SCORING PLAYS

• Justin Turner RBI single (1-0)
• AJ Pollock RBI groundout (2-0)
• Anthony Rendon solo HR (2-1)
• Cody Bellinger two-run HR (4-1)
• Corey Seager RBI groundout (5-1)
• Cody Bellinger two-run HR (7-1)
• Tommy La Stella two RBI single (7-3)
• Brian Goodwin RBI single (7-4)

PLAY OF THE GAME

Play of the Game goes to Cody Bellinger, who broke out of his slump in a big way with a two-run home run…twice.

Cody Bellinger going deep is one of the most beautiful things in baseball ❤️
pic.twitter.com/treVnupFgJ

— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) August 15, 2020

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Player of the game also goes to Bellinger, who notched 4 RBIs tonight and seems to be heading out of the slump he’s been in for most of the season.

And another one. HR count
Bellinger: 2
Trout: 0
pic.twitter.com/mIwkQbTdOO

— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) August 15, 2020

UP NEXT

The Dodgers will be looking to keep the momentum going tomorrow night with Walker Buehler (4.40 ERA, 14.1 IP, 12 K) on the mound. The Angels will counter with Andrew Heaney, who has a ERA of 4.26 in 19 innings pitched with 19 strikeouts. First pitch of game two is scheduled for 6:40pm.

Jacob Cisneros is a writer for Dodgers Lowdown. You can find him on Twitter @jacobcisneros42.

Amanda Powers is an editor (and sometimes writer) for Dodgers Lowdown. Follow her on Twitter @geekpowers.