Dodgers erupt for nine‑run first inning to rout Angels

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9‑2 at Dodger Stadium, scoring all runs in a nine‑run first inning. Andy Pages opened the rally with a two‑run homer, followed by a double by Ryan Ward and an error by Angels shortstop Zach Neto that cleared the bases. Shohei Ohtani capped the inning with a two‑run home run, his 11th of the season. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto retired the next 22 batters, allowing just two hits over eight innings and lowering his ERA to 2.68. The victory gave the Dodgers a 42‑23 record, widened their NL West lead, and marked their fifth straight win over the Angels, who have been outscored 41‑5 this season. The game also featured historic moments off the field: Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire an MLB game behind the plate, greeting Ohtani at the start of the inning, while catcher Will Smith was scratched from the lineup due to a stiff neck and replaced by Dalton Rushing. The win set the Dodgers up for a series sweep and continued their dominant run in the league.