Battle of Los Angeles: Dodgers Look to Rebound vs. Angels

The 2025 edition of the Battle of Los Angeles continues today after the Angels exploded for a run-heavy victory over the Dodgers last night. With both teams locked in competitive divisions and stocked with offensive firepower, this freeway rivalry remains one of the most electric interleague matchups in MLB.

Tonight’s rematch features Tony Gonsolin on the mound for the Dodgers, who are sizable home favorites against lefty Yusei Kikuchi and a surging Angels lineup. The betting market has adjusted accordingly—the Dodgers opened around -230 and remain in that range, with a total set at 9 runs across the board.

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Dodgers vs. Angels: Pitching Matchup & Game Odds

Rotation Info:

• Game Time: 4:10 PM PT

• Location: Chavez Ravine (Dodger Stadium)

• Odds: Dodgers -230 | Angels +190 | O/U: 9

Pitchers:

• Tony Gonsolin (LAD): A bounce-back spot after a rocky stretch. Gonsolin has kept righties in check, but his home run rate has risen, especially late in outings.

• Yusei Kikuchi (LAA): A tough assignment against a Dodgers lineup that rakes left-handed pitching. Control has been an issue for Kikuchi, and Dodger Stadium isn’t forgiving to mistakes.

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Dodgers Lineup vs. Lefties: A Dangerous Bounce-Back Spot

Despite a sluggish outing in Game 1, this is a classic Dodgers bounce-back spot. Los Angeles features elite right-handed power, and even with Teoscar Hernández on the IL, they remain lethal:

• Kiké Hernández: .382 wOBA vs. LHP

• Will Smith: Steady behind the plate, with added competition after top prospect Dalton Rushing was called up

• Shohei Ohtani: Facing his former team with plenty of motivation and reverse splits that hold up against southpaws

• Freddie Freeman: Still punishing mistakes, regardless of handedness

• Andy Pages: Emerging with a .191 ISO, showing legitimate pop

With a team ISO over .200 vs. lefties, the Dodgers are set up to do damage. Even without Teoscar, the stackable offense in DFS and run-line betting makes this a strong target.

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Angels Offense Can Still Score: RBI Machine Alert

While the Dodgers bring firepower, don’t sleep on the Angels’ run-scoring potential—especially with the way players like Logan O’Hoppe and Nolan Schanuel have been producing. O’Hoppe, in particular, is tracking toward 150 RBIs if he sustains this pace.

Key Angels Bats to Watch:

• Logan O’Hoppe: Slugging with men on base, especially effective in clutch spots

• Taylor Ward & Schanuel: Capable of getting to Gonsolin early

Betting Tip: Consider Over 9 total runs. The Dodgers’ bounce-back offense pairs well with an Angels lineup capable of sneaky run support, especially if Gonsolin doesn’t sharpen up.

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Dodgers Betting Strategy for Today

Best Bets:

• Dodgers -1.5 run line (Even or better odds) – Excellent matchup vs. Kikuchi

• Over 9 total runs – Both teams capable of scoring early and often

• Will Smith Total Bases Over 1.5 – Hitting in the heart of the lineup, facing a hittable lefty

• Dodgers First Five -0.5 – Strong trend in bounce-back scenarios at home

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Final Thoughts: Rivalry, Runs, and Betting Opportunity

Today’s Battle of Los Angeles has all the ingredients for a high-scoring, bounce-back performance from the Dodgers, while the Angels still present enough offensive threat to keep things close. Between favorable splits, recent lineup adjustments, and a powerful Dodger offense, backing Los Angeles on the run line and attacking the Over are smart plays.

Keep an eye on lineup confirmations and weather, but all signs point to fireworks at Chavez Ravine this afternoon.

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