Dodgers back Ross Stripling in 3-1 win over Halos

For the second straight night, the Dodgers and Angels played a close game in sweltering heat, with the visiting team ahead in the ninth. But Saturday went according to plan for the Dodgers as they held on for a 3-1 win over the Halos.

Not leaving anything to chance, Yasiel Puig provided a much needed insurance run with a solo homer in the top of the ninth. Kenley Jansen bounced back from Friday night’s comedy of errors to shut the door with a perfect ninth.

The win is the Dodgers fifth in their last six games, moving them to 48-40 on the season.

In a game that didn’t feature much offense, the Dodgers broke through for two runs in a fifth inning that featured a pair of hits and a 10-pitch walk for Kiké Hernandez. With two outs and two on, Justin Turner lined a two-run single to right field, scoring Puig and Hernandez.

Turner’s single was the only hit either side had in seven combined at-bats with runners in scoring position all afternoon.

Ross Stripling limited the Angels to three hits — all to Mike Trout — in six innings, striking out seven without a walk. The right-hander became the first Dodger to 100 strikeouts on the year, finishing the start with 103 punches against just 13 walks this season.

The only run for the Angels came on a sixth inning solo shot from Trout to center field.

Angel manager Mike Scioscia had to shuffle through his bullpen in what was essentially a spot start for Deck McGuire. The right-hander only lasted three scoreless innings on 61 pitches before giving way.

The Dodgers walked five times but could only muster four hits against six Halo pitchers. That was enough though to come out on top to even the series.

Up Next

The Dodgers and Angels will play on Sunday Night Baseball to finish out the three-game series. Alex Wood (5-5, 3.84) will square off with fellow lefty Andrew Heaney (4-6, 3.94).

Saturday particulars

Home runs: Mike Trout (25), Yasiel Puig (10)

WP - Ross Stripling (7-2): 6 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 7 strikeouts

LP - Taylor Cole (0-1): 2 ¹⁄₃ IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts

SV - Kenley Jansen (24): 1 IP, 2 strikeouts