The latest chapter in the Freeway Series continues Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, where the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Los Angeles Angels in a clash of two teams trending in opposite directions. The Dodgers, with a 29–15 record, are surging atop the NL West and playing their best baseball of the season, winning consistently at home where they hold a dominant 17–5 mark. Their recent stretch has been particularly impressive, with the offense averaging 7.5 runs per game over their last 10 contests, a stretch that has seen the total go OVER in six of those games due to relentless scoring and extra-base power from up and down the lineup. Shohei Ohtani continues to be the centerpiece of the attack, leading the team with 12 home runs while also drawing attention with his elite on-base skills and game-changing speed. The Dodgers’ lineup doesn’t stop there—Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts have been tearing into opposing pitchers, creating traffic on the bases and allowing this offense to click in nearly every inning. Saturday’s starting assignment goes to veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who continues to anchor the rotation with his signature poise and precision. Kershaw has historically dominated the Angels and will look to use his curveball-heavy arsenal to neutralize a struggling Halos lineup that has been largely inconsistent. The Angels come into the contest at 17–25, last in the AL West, and looking for answers on multiple fronts. Despite some individual bright spots—like Taylor Ward’s recent production—the Angels’ offense has been unable to string together consistent rallies, averaging just 3.8 runs per game.

On the pitching side, the team has faltered, with a collective ERA of 5.09 and a bullpen that has been unable to lock down close games, often surrendering leads late. Injuries and a lack of depth have only made matters worse, leaving manager Ron Washington with limited options when it comes to run prevention. In order to compete Saturday, the Angels will need a surprisingly strong performance from their starting pitcher, who will be tasked with navigating a relentless Dodgers lineup in front of a packed Chavez Ravine crowd. That means avoiding walks, minimizing big innings, and relying on sharp infield defense—an area that has also been shaky at times. The key for the Dodgers will be staying aggressive early and allowing Kershaw to pitch with a lead, while the Angels must capitalize on any scoring opportunities they can find, particularly against a Dodgers bullpen that has occasionally shown vulnerability in low-leverage spots. While the rivalry carries city-wide bragging rights, the current form and depth of the two clubs suggest this game may be more about the Dodgers continuing their dominance than a true back-and-forth affair. Still, the intensity of the Freeway Series often brings out surprises, and with a chance to make a statement, the Angels will be pushing hard to flip the narrative in what is shaping up to be a one-sided season series. Expect fireworks, pressure-packed at-bats, and a playoff-like energy under the L.A. lights.