In a thrilling Freeway Series game on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium, the Los Angeles Angels delivered a stunning moment with a Shohei Ohtani triple play highlight that shocked fans and shifted momentum. Zach Neto executed a flawless triple play that helped propel the Angels to a dramatic walk-off victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Unforgettable Triple Play by Zach Neto
<pDuring the top of the sixth inning, with the score tied at 5-5, Shohei Ohtani laced a sharp line drive up the middle off Angels pitcher Brock Burke, threatening to give the Dodgers the lead. However, Angels shortstop Zach Neto turned a routine hit into a spectacular defensive feat. Neto caught the liner, immediately stepped on second base to double off the runner who had ventured too far, then threw to first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who tagged the runner to complete a rare triple play. Neto was credited with two putouts and one assist in this exceptional sequence.
According to ESPN, this was Neto’s first triple play participation at any level, including Little League, college, or the minors. Achieving this defensive rarity against a top player like Ohtani and the defending World Series champions made it a milestone highlight in Neto’s young career. Neto reflected on the moment, saying,
“but making a play like that in a situation where you have one of the best hitters up to bat, with first and second, no outs — to be able to make a play like that, I think it was pretty special.”
—Zach Neto, Angels Shortstop
This triple play was the Angels’ first since August 2023 against the Tampa Bay Rays and only the eighth in the franchise’s history, marking a significant defensive highlight in the current season.
How the Walk-Off Victory Unfolded After Ohtani’s Response
After the triple play, Shohei Ohtani made a strong comeback in the ninth inning by hitting a towering home run that put the Dodgers ahead 6-5. Nonetheless, the Angels answered back quickly. Nolan Schanuel’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth tied the game, leading to extra innings and heightened drama at Angel Stadium.
In the top of the 10th, the Angels clinched the victory when Jo Adell singled to left field, allowing Taylor Ward to score from third base, sealing a thrilling 7-6 walk-off win. Ward had started the inning as the automatic runner at second and advanced to third on a bunt single by Christian Moore. Ward’s overall performance included going 2-for-5 with a home run, three runs scored, and two RBIs, complementing the defensive brilliance shown earlier by his teammates.
Relief pitcher Connor Brogdon secured the win by pitching a scoreless inning, improving his record to 3-1 on the season. This victory marked the sixth consecutive Freeway Series win for the Angels over the Dodgers, reinforcing their dominance in this storied rivalry. Meanwhile, the Dodgers hold a 68-52 record and remain tied atop the National League West with the San Diego Padres.
The Lasting Impact of the Angels’ Defensive and Offensive Performances
This game not only showcased a rare and memorable Shohei Ohtani triple play highlight but also demonstrated the Angels’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The combination of Neto’s defensive spectacular and the offense’s late-game heroics highlights the team’s determination this season. With nine walk-off wins—tied for the most in Major League Baseball—the Angels continue to build momentum and confidence. Their performance in this Freeway Series match reflects their steady pursuit of success in a competitive division and promises more exciting moments ahead for fans at Angel Stadium.