Angels Keep Up with Dodgers, Tie in First Cactus League Game of Season

Angels tie Dodgers in Cactus League opener.

In their first Cactus League game of the season, the Los Angeles Angels tied 7-7 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After the Dodgers creamed the San Diego Padres with a 14-1 win Thursday and a 4-1 win Friday, the Angels put in a strong effort against a team that is one of the favorites to win it all in 2024. 

The Angels scored first against the Dodgers. Jo Adell's triple began the scoring for the Angels. Adell, who is heading into a crucial season, got the Angels their first run of the year.

Jo Adell TRIPLES to get us going‼️@Angels | #LAASpring pic.twitter.com/eBzBBkHeQn

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 24, 2024

The Angels would hold a 4-2 lead over the Dodgers after the sixth inning, but they fell behind for the first time in the afternoon after the Dodgers scored five runs in the eighth inning. 

The Angels did not back down with a two-run homer from Jason Martin, tying the game up at seven a-piece. Neither team would score in the ninth inning, leading to a tie.

Jason Martin TIES IT UP‼️ 🔥@Angels | #LAASpring pic.twitter.com/t0e8L8uuCU

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 24, 2024

After Martin's two-run homer, Adell, Jake Marisnick, Cole Fontenelle, Zach Neto and Kyren Paris each had a run batted-in.

On the defensive side, Victor Mederos looked good in his first start of the year. Mederos primarily played for the Angels Double-A team in 2023 and made his major league debut less than a year ago. 

However, Mederos stepped up for this Cactus League start. He pitched two innings and gave up one hit, zero runs and three strikeouts. One of those strikeouts even came against Dodgers seven-time All-Star Mookie Betts. It's still just game one of Spring Training, but this was quite a promising start for the inexperienced Mederos.

The Angels' Cactus League continues Sunday with two games. The Angels will face the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals.