L.A. Times: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw shuts down the Angels

The Angels had their chances for a comeback in the eighth and ninth innings Sunday, but the Dodgers were able to stay out of reach for a 5-3 victory Sunday evening at Angel Stadium.

The Dodgers won their second Freeway Series of the season by handing the Angels their second consecutive loss. The Dodgers improved their record to 46-24, four wins better than the Boston Red Sox, the next closest team in the majors, and seven wins better than any National League team.

The Angels lost their second consecutive game and remain half a game behind the Rangers in the A.L. West.

Clayton Kershaw (4-5) gave the Dodgers all the pitching support they would need in a winning effort. He pitched seven innings of scoreless ball and gave up four hits, walked four and struck out five. Angels starter John Lackey (2-3) pitched eight innings, but gave up four runs on nine hits and took the loss.

The Dodgers took the early lead, but did their best to let the Angels back in the game.

Protecting a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton allowed a single to Bobby Abreu. Torii Hunter then hit a ball to the warning track that bounced off of the heel of center fielder Matt Kemp’s glove, allowing Abreu to score.

Vladimir Guerrero grounded out to Broxton, but Hunter advanced to third on the play, and Juan Rivera’s single scored Hunter to cut the Dodgers’ lead to 5-3.