Angels’ Zach Neto Executes Stunning Triple Play Against Dodgers
BREAKING: In a stunning display of skill, Zach Neto executed a triple play during the Los Angeles Angels thrilling 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 15, 2023. This extraordinary moment occurred in the sixth inning, marking only the eighth triple play in Angels history.
Neto, who had never witnessed a triple play in person before, made the play against none other than Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. The line drive shot straight to him behind second base, and with precision, Neto caught it, doubling off two Dodgers runners in a flash.
“I was telling my guys, I think that was more exciting than hitting two home runs yesterday,” Neto exclaimed, highlighting the significance of the play. He had indeed homered twice the night before as the Angels defeated the Dodgers. “It was pretty special to make a play like that with one of the best hitters up to bat.”
The sequence unfolded quickly as Miguel Rojas was on second and Dalton Rushing on first when Ohtani hit the drive. Neto caught the liner, stepped on second base, and swiftly threw to first, where Nolan Schanuel tagged out Rushing, who stumbled trying to get back. Neto joked, “If he messed that up, we were going to have some words.”
Rushing did fall hard after the tag, but he reassured fans, saying, “I banged my head a little bit… But I’m good to go.” His quick recovery was crucial as the game continued. The Angels’ triple play also marked a rare feat, with the last one occurring on August 18, 2023, against Tampa Bay.
This impressive moment comes amid a challenging summer for the Dodgers, who are experiencing a 12-20 slump since July 4. With this loss, the Dodgers fell into a first-place tie with the San Diego Padres in the NL West, intensifying the pressure on the team.
“I thought Miggy did a fine job,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “But Dalton has got to get back. That’s something that can’t happen,” reflecting on the critical misstep that led to the triple play.
Despite the setback, Ohtani responded with a tiebreaking homer in the ninth, his 43rd of the season. However, the Angels fought back, tying the game on Schanuel’s sacrifice fly and clinching the win with Jo Adell’s high-chopping single in the tenth.
The Angels have dominated the Freeway Series this season, maintaining a perfect record against the defending World Series champions. Neto is now looking ahead to facing Ohtani on the mound in the next match-up. “I’ve got to face him tomorrow on the mound, so just enjoy this one for a couple more hours, then come in tomorrow ready to go,” he said with a grin.
As the Angels celebrate this remarkable feat, fans eagerly anticipate the next game, set to continue the fierce rivalry on August 16, 2023.
