Zach Neto and the Angels: Epic Triple Play vs Ohtani and Dodgers

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto starred in a spectacular defensive play that marked a before and after in the game against the Dodgers.

Unprecedented Triple Play

Neto, who had never participated in a triple play, neither in minor leagues, nor in college, nor even in Little League, achieved an almost individual play. The key moment occurred in the top of the sixth inning, with runners on first and second with no outs and the score tied at 5. Shohei Ohtani hit a low line drive to center field, which Neto caught. He immediately stepped on second base to put out Miguel Rojas, who had remained static, and then threw to first base to complete the triple play, surprising rookie catcher Dalton Rushing. The Angels finally won the game 7-6 in 10 innings, extending their undefeated streak against the Dodgers to 5-0 on the season.

I like hitting home runs, but making a play like that in a situation where you have one of the best hitters at bat, with first and second, no outs, I think it was something special.
Zach Neto

This triple play was the third in the Major Leagues so far this season and the first for the Angels since August 2023. The defensive play was a hard blow for the Dodgers, who have had an irregular performance in recent weeks, with a record of 15-20 since the beginning of July. The loss, combined with the victory of the San Diego Padres, tied the division rivals in first place in the National League West. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers’ first baseman, commented that it’s “too early” to worry about the standings. Ohtani, for his part, responded with a home run in the ninth inning, but the Angels managed to tie and win the game in the tenth inning with a single by Jo Adell. The next encounter will be the end of the series, where Neto will face Ohtani, but this time as a pitcher.