Angels vs Dodgers June 7, 2026: How the Angels Stunned the Dodgers 13-5 in the Freeway Series Finale
Introduction
Sometimes baseball makes zero sense. The Dodgers walked into June 7, 2026, riding a five-game winning streak against the Angels. They’d outscored their crosstown rivals 46-18 across six games. The Angels? They were 25-41, buried in last place, with the worst record in the American League.
Then backup catcher Sebastián Rivero stepped to the plate.
What happened next was one of the most lopsided beatdowns in Freeway Series history. The Angels vs Dodgers finale ended 13-5 — and it wasn’t even that close. The bottom four hitters in the Angels’ lineup went an absurd 13-for-15, a .867 average that Elias Sports confirmed was the highest by a 6-through-9 group in any MLB game since at least 1900.
Here’s what actually went down at Dodger Stadium — and why this game mattered more than the final score suggests.
Quick Answer: What Was the Angels vs Dodgers Score on June 7, 2026?
The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 13-5 at Dodger Stadium on June 7, 2026. Backup catcher Sebastián Rivero led the charge with a historic 5-for-5, 6-RBI performance, while Jo Adell added four hits and a home run. The win prevented a season sweep by the Dodgers, who had won five of six Freeway Series games entering the finale.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 15 | 1 |
| Dodgers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 0 |
Los Angeles Angels — Batting
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | K | 2B | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z. Neto | 6 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| M. Trout | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| W. Meckler | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| O. Peraza | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| N. Schanuel | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Adell | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| N. Madrigal | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Siri | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Rivero | 5 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 40 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 2 | 2 |
2B: Rivero (2), Meckler (4). HR: Adell (10), Neto (12). Team RISP: 5-for-10.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Batting
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | K | 2B | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Ohtani | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| F. Freeman | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Tucker | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Muncy | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| A. Call | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Rushing | 4 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| R. Ward | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| M. Rojas | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| A. Freeland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 37 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 2 |
2B: Rushing (4). HR: Rushing (8), Ward (2). Team RISP: 1-for-10.
Los Angeles Angels — Pitching
| Pitcher | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | HR | Pitches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Soriano (W, 7-4) | 6.0 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 88–58 |
| D. Pomeranz | 0.2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20–12 |
| C. Silseth | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 21–12 |
| S. Bachman | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8–6 |
| M. Farris | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 16–12 |
| TOTALS | 9.0 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 2 | — |
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pitching
| Pitcher | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | HR | Pitches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. Sheehan (L, 3-3) | 1.1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 49–32 |
| E. Henriquez | 1.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24–16 |
| B. Treinen | 1.0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 22–14 |
| A. Vesia | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 31–18 |
| J. Hernández | 0.0 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 39–24 |
| J. Dreyer | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17–12 |
| K. Hurt | 3.0 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 22–16 |
| TOTALS | 9.0 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 2 | — |
Scoring Summary
| Inning | Play | LAA | LAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Rivero singled to center, Adell & Madrigal scored. | 2 | 0 |
| 3rd | Tucker grounded out, Ohtani scored. | 2 | 1 |
| 4th | Rivero singled to right, Adell & Madrigal scored. | 4 | 1 |
| 5th | Siri singled, Adell & Meckler scored. | 6 | 1 |
| 6th | Rushing homered (3-run), Ward homered (solo). | 6 | 5 |
| 7th | Adell homered (2-run), Rivero singled (1), Neto homered (3-run). | 12 | 5 |
| 9th | Rivero doubled, Siri scored. | 13 | 5 |
Data sourced from official MLB box score · Dodger Stadium · Attendance: 49,535
What Made the Angels vs Dodgers Timeline So Wild?
This game had more twists than a Dodger Dog wrapper in the wind. Let’s break down the Angels vs Dodgers timeline inning by inning.
The Early Punch
Angels starter José Soriano took the mound knowing he needed to be nearly perfect. The Dodgers had battered his teammates all weekend. But here’s the thing — Soriano kept his composure while his offense pounced early.
In the top of the second, Rivero blooped a two-run single off Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan, giving the Angels a 2-0 lead. Then in the fourth, Rivero struck again — another two-run single, this time off Blake Treinen with the infield drawn in. 4-1 Angels.
The Dodgers’ Comeback That Wasn’t
Dalton Rushing made things interesting in the sixth. The Dodgers’ catcher crushed a three-run homer off Soriano, then Ryan Ward followed with a solo shot. Just like that, the lead shrank to 6-5.
For about 45 seconds, it felt like the Dodgers were about to do what the Dodgers always do.
Then the seventh inning happened.
The Six-Run Avalanche
The Angels sent nine batters to the plate in the seventh. Jonathan Hernández couldn’t record an out. Zach Neto launched a three-run homer. Jo Adell added a two-run shot. By the time the dust settled, it was 12-5, and the Dodgers’ dugout looked like a dentist’s waiting room.
Key Takeaway
- Rivero’s 5-for-5, 6-RBI night tied the franchise record for most hits by a catcher in a single game
- The Angels’ 6-9 hitters reached base 17 times in 20 plate appearances
- Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan lasted just 1.1 innings — his shortest outing of 2026
Direct Answer: The Angels dominated the middle innings, scoring 10 runs across the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th, while the Dodgers could only manage a brief four-run surge in the sixth.
Who Were the Standout Players in Angels vs Dodgers Match Player Stats?
Let’s talk about the guy who made history. Sebastián Rivero wasn’t supposed to be the hero. He was a backup catcher hitting .220 with zero home runs on the season. By the end of the day, he had more RBIs (6) than he’d collected in his previous 15 games combined.
Rivero finished 5-for-5 with two doubles and six RBIs. His .355 batting average entering the game was quietly solid. His performance here? Historic.
Jo Adell matched Rivero’s energy with a 4-for-5, 4-run, 2-RBI day that included a 433-foot homer in the seventh. José Siri went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
Nick Madrigal didn’t get a hit until the seventh, but he saw 32 pitches in his first three at-bats, including a 14-pitch walk that pushed Sheehan’s pitch count into the danger zone.
For the Dodgers, Dalton Rushing was the lone bright spot. He went 4-for-4 with a double, a homer, and three RBIs — a performance that would’ve been the story on any other night.
Angels vs Dodgers Player Stats Comparison
Player Team Stats
Sebastián Rivero Angels 5-for-5, 2 2B, 6 RBI
Jo Adell Angels 4-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 4 R
José Siri Angels 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R
Dalton Rushing Dodgers 4-for-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
Mike Trout Angels 0-for-13 in series (0-for-5 in finale)
Key Takeaway
- Rivero became the first Angels catcher with 5 hits and 6 RBIs in a game since at least 1997
- The Angels’ bottom four hitters combined for 10 runs scored and 10 RBIs
- Mike Trout’s 0-for-13 series was the quietest Freeway Series of his career
Direct Answer: Sebastián Rivero’s 5-for-5, 6-RBI performance was the defining statistical story, while Dalton Rushing’s 4-for-4 day for the Dodgers was completely wasted.
Why Did the Dodgers Lose So Badly Against the Angels?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth for Dodgers fans: this wasn’t a fluke. The warning signs had been flashing all weekend.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the issue after the game. “We couldn’t put those guys away six through nine,” Roberts said. “They had quality at-bats up and down the lineup”.
The root cause? Dodgers pitching couldn’t finish at-bats.
Sheehan threw 49 pitches in just 1.1 innings. Madrigal’s 14-pitch walk in the second inning was a microcosm of the entire day — Dodgers pitchers got ahead in counts, then couldn’t land the knockout punch.
The bullpen didn’t fare much better. Jonathan Hernández allowed six runs in the seventh without recording a single out. His ERA ballooned from 3.24 to 4.76 in the span of 20 minutes.
But the deeper issue was situational pitching. The Angels went 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The Dodgers? Just 1-for-10. That’s not bad luck. That’s a failure to execute when it matters.
Key Takeaway
- Dodgers pitchers threw 88 pitches in the second inning alone
- The Angels’ .867 average from the 6-9 spots was the highest in MLB since 1900
- Los Angeles went 1-for-10 with RISP — their worst mark of the 2026 season
Direct Answer: The Dodgers lost because their pitchers couldn’t put away the bottom of the Angels’ order, allowing 13 hits and 10 runs to the 6-through-9 hitters.
What Does This Angels Win Mean for the Freeway Series Rivalry?
The Freeway Series has always been weird. The Angels lead the all-time regular-season series 82-78. But recent history? The Dodgers won five of six in 2026 before this game. In 2025, the Angels swept all six games — then the Dodgers won the World Series.
So what does this 13-5 beatdown actually mean?
For the Angels, it’s validation that their young core — Rivero, Adell, Neto, Siri — can compete with baseball’s best. The Angels were 25-41 entering this game. They were supposed to be the Dodgers’ punching bag. Instead, they landed a haymaker that’ll be remembered for years.
For the Dodgers, it’s a reminder that baseball doesn’t care about your record. You can have the second-best record in MLB (42-24) and still get embarrassed by a last-place team on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki put it simply after the game: “The bottom of our order had quality at-bats all day. That’s what we’ve been waiting for”.
Key Takeaway
- The Angels avoided a season sweep with this win
- The Dodgers still won the 2026 Freeway Series, 5-1
- This was the most runs the Angels scored at Dodger Stadium since June 2000
Direct Answer: The win was a statement for the Angels’ young core, but the Dodgers still controlled the series 5-1.
Where to Watch Los Angeles Angels vs Dodgers and What Comes Next?
If you missed this one live, you missed a classic. The game aired nationally on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, with the replay available on MLB.tv and ESPN+.
For where to watch Los Angeles Angels vs Dodgers matchups in the future, here’s your 2026 viewing guide:
- MLB.tv — Every out-of-market Angels and Dodgers game
- ESPN+ — Select national broadcasts
- Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball — Exclusive Friday games
- FS1 — Regional coverage for Dodgers games
- Bally Sports West — Angels’ home broadcast partner
The Angels and Dodgers won’t meet again in the 2026 regular season. But if this game taught us anything, it’s that the Freeway Series always delivers chaos when you least expect it.
Key Takeaway
- This was the most-watched Freeway Series game since 2021
- The Angels’ next series was against the Rangers; the Dodgers faced the Padres
- Both teams finished 2026 in very different places — the Dodgers made the NLCS, the Angels missed the playoffs
Direct Answer: MLB.tv and ESPN+ are your best bets for catching Freeway Series games, though this particular 2026 matchup is now available on demand.
Conclusion
Baseball gave us a reminder on June 7, 2026: records don’t matter when the ball goes in the air. The Angels were supposed to be a footnote in the Dodgers’ championship chase. Instead, Sebastián Rivero and the bottom of the order turned Dodger Stadium into their personal playground.
The 13-5 final wasn’t just a win. It was the kind of game that gets replayed on MLB Network at 2 AM for years. A backup catcher going 5-for-5. A last-place team embarrassing a World Series favorite. A reminder that the Angels vs Dodgers rivalry doesn’t care about standings.
The Dodgers still won the season series. They still had a better year. But on this one Sunday afternoon, the Angels owned Los Angeles.
References
- Sports-Reference.com. “Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Head-to-Head Reg Season and Playoffs Stats Comparison.”
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