Karros family celebrates but Angels edge Dodgers in Freeway Series finale
Dodgers prospect Jared Karros pitches two scoreless innings with his father watching from the broadcast booth, but the Angels get a 4-3 walk-off win on Jack Lopez’s bloop single in the ninth
The Angels’ Miguel Sanó celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo homer in the second inning of their Freeway Series exhibition game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani tips his batting helmet to the crowd after a tribute video showing highlights from his six seasons with the Angels was shown on the scoreboard video screen during his first at-bat in the first inning of their exhibition game on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A tribute video of Shohei Ohtani’s Angels career plays on the giant video screen during Ohtani’s first at-bat in the first inning of a Freeway game between the Dodgers and Angels on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Angels starting pitcher Chase Silseth throws to the plate during their Freeway Series exhibition game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during their Freeway Series exhibition game against the Angels on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Angels’ Miguel Sanó celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo homer during the second inning of their Freeway Series exhibition game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith (16) gets a high-five from teammate Shohei Ohtani (17) in the dugout after Smith homered during the fourth inning of their Freeway Series exhibition game against the Angels on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Angels’ Anthony Rendon runs to first as he flies out against the Dodgers during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts runs to first base in the fourth inning during an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Chase Silseth throws a pitch in the first inning of an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith runs to first base after hitting a home run in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a foul ball during the first inning of an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Taylor Ward slides home to score a run during the first inning of an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Mike Trout reacts after a pitch during the first inning of the team’s exhibition baseball game against the Dodgers on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures in the dugout during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Angels on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani stands in the dugout during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Angels on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures to the crowd before batting against the Angels during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani reacts to a pitch during the first inning of the team’s exhibition baseball game against the Angels, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Angels starting pitcher Chase Silseth throws to a Dodgers batter during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to an Angels batter during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Angels star Mike Trout runs to first base during an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Mike Trout, left, is greeted by Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman after drawing a walk during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The Angels’ Mike Trout runs to score off a double hit by Brandon Drury against the Dodgers during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws a pitch in the second inning of an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith hits a home run in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux, right, is greeted by third base coach Dino Ebel as he circles the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning during an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani removes his helmet in the dugout after striking out in the third inning during an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani looks on after striking out in the third inning during an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts at bat during the third inning against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Anthony Rendon at bat during the third inning of an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Angels star Mike Trout at bat during the third inning of an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani strikes out in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman reacts with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, right, high-fives teammate Will Smith #16 at home plate after Freeman hit a home run in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith reacts in the dugout with teammates after hitting a home run in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers throws to the plate during the fourth inning of their exhibition game against the Dodgers on Monday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures in the dugout during the fourth inning of the team’s exhibition baseball game against the Angels, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith is congratulated for his home run against the Angels during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith runs hitting a home run during the fourth inning of the team’s exhibition baseball game against the Angels, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman is congratulated for his home run against the Angels during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, right, celebrates his home run against the Angels with Will Smith during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani strikes out swinging during the fourth inning of the team’s exhibition baseball game against the Angels, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux celebrates his home run against the Angels during the sixth inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Angels star Mike Trout at bat during the sixth inning during an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Zach Neto acknowledges the crowd as he scores the game-winning run in the ninth inning during an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, right, warms up with third base coach Dino Abel before a spring training game against the Angels on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Angels star Mike Trout, left, and Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani embrace ahead of their exhibition game on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Angels right fielder Aaron Hicks, left, speaks with Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani before an exhibition baseball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Angels star Mike Trout blows a bubble ahead of an exhibition game against the Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Brandon Drury, left, greets Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on the field ahead of an exhibition game on Tuesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on ahead of an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Angels outfielder Aaron Hicks, left, greets Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on the field ahead of an exhibition game on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, left, speaks with center fielder James Outman before an exhibition baseball game against the Angels on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani looks on in the dugout during an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17), center fielder James Outman (33) and shortstop Chris Taylor (3) stand during the national anthem before the team’s exhibition baseball game against the Angels on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani looks on in the dugout during an exhibition game against the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 26, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM — With the final game of spring training on the line, Dodgers prospect Jared Karros took the mound against the Angels with a keen observer watching from the television booth upstairs.
Former Dodgers star Eric Karros was doing color commentary for SportsNet LA when his son and former 16th-round draft pick in 2022 stepped on the mound in a major league stadium.
Never mind that it was an exhibition game, there were plenty of midseason nerves.
“So Howie Long, I work with him at FOX and we cross over in September with football and baseball,” Eric Karros said. “He had two kids play at the highest level (in the NFL).
“I remember talking to him about watching your kid and he said, ‘It’s like when you played and get ready for a game and have all this adrenaline and then you can go release it out on the field. Watching your kid, you get all this adrenaline and you just have to sit and you can’t let it loose. It eats you up inside.’ And that’s exactly what it is.”
The younger Karros walked Matt Thaiss to open the inning before finding his stride. He got Zach Neto to fly out to left field, retired Jack Lopez on another fly ball to left and ended the seventh inning when Jo Adell was called out on strikes.
As the son walked off the mound as the picture of calm, dad stood up in the booth and applauded his approval.
Back out to pitch again in the eighth inning, Jared Karros gave up a hit but struck out the side by retiring three projected Angels regulars in Mickey Moniak, Taylor Ward and Nolan Schanuel.
Again the older Karros rose to his feet, letting out shouts of approval while thrusting his fist into the air.
As for that rule of never cheering in the press box?
“I told them they can take my press credential away,” Eric Karros said with a laugh.
Jared Karros pitched in 19 games (16 starts) at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga last season with a 3.95 ERA but has not yet learned of his minor league assignment for this season.
“To watch this, and especially to see him succeed and have the type of outing he did, it’s something I’m always going to remember,” said Karros, who holds the Los Angeles Dodgers record of 270 home runs. “The gamut of emotion probably went from puking to crying to screaming. All over the map.”
While Jared Karros kept it close for the Dodgers, the Angels still won the game, 4-3, in the ninth against Dodgers left-hander John Rooney, when Zach Neto tripled with two outs and Lopez ended the game with a bloop RBI single to left.
It was the Angels who leaned into their offense first, getting a two-run double from Brandon Drury in the first inning and a towering home run from Miguel Sanó to left field in the second inning for a 3-0 lead. All three runs came off Dodgers starter James Paxton.
Sano had been told he made the Opening Day roster by Manager Ron Washington after Monday’s game at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers used their power to get back into the game with Freddie Freeman and Will Smith hitting back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to pull within a run. The Dodgers tied it in the sixth on a home run to center field from Gavin Lux.
Paxton gave up three runs on four hits over five innings of his final spring start, with two walks and two strikeouts. He is expected to start the fifth game of the Dodgers’ season-opening homestand on Monday against the San Francisco Giants.
Angels starter Chase Silseth gave up two runs on two hits over five innings with no walks, while showing his potential with 10 strikeouts.
“I put a lot into today,” Silseth said. “It felt like the real thing today, which is good. I was ready. I’m ready now (to) hit the ground running.”
