LOS ANGELES – Fans hadn’t even settled into their seats at Dodger Stadium when the game was practically decided.

In an offensive display that stunned MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers racked up nine runs in their first inning against the Los Angeles Angels, turning the highly anticipated Freeway Series into a veritable annihilation. Leading 9-1 after just minutes, the Dodgers ultimately sealed a dominant 9-2 victory, further solidifying their position as one of the most formidable contenders for the World Series title this season.

The Dodgers entered the game determined to maintain their dominance over the Angels in the 2026 season.

But even the most optimistic could hardly have imagined what was about to happen.

In the very first inning, the Dodgers’ offense relentlessly punished every mistake made by the Angels. The relentless hits, constant base runs, and immense pressure left pitcher Jack Kochanowicz with almost no chance of controlling the situation.

After only a third of the inning, the Angels were forced to replace their pitcher as Kochanowicz conceded a series of innings and only managed to eliminate one batter.

The crowd at Dodger Stadium watched the scoreboard change constantly.

And then the most explosive moment arrived.

As the Dodgers stunned the Angels with a series of scoring runs, Shohei Ohtani stepped into the batter’s box.

The Japanese star didn’t miss his chance.

Ohtani hit a powerful two-run homer, sending the ball over the fence and closing out the first inning with the Dodgers’ ninth run. It was also his eleventh home run of the 2026 season.

The entire stadium erupted.

For Dodgers fans, it was the perfect moment: the team’s biggest star delivered the game-winning shot in the city derby.

Not only Ohtani, but Andy Pages also contributed a crucial two-point homer, while Ryan Ward added a double for two RBIs, creating one of the Dodgers’ most fearsome offensive innings in years.

If the Dodgers’ strength was part of the story, the Angels’ downfall was the rest.

The Angels’ defense repeatedly made mistakes at crucial moments. A misfire from shortstop Zach Neto directly gave the Dodgers three runs, completely spiraling out of control.

Every mistake was punished immediately by the Dodgers.

Every opportunity was capitalized on by the home team.

And before the Angels realized what was happening, the gap was eight runs.

While the offense created a scoring feast, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto quietly completed his part brilliantly.

After allowing the Angels to score an early run, Yamamoto gave the opposition virtually no further opportunities.

The Japanese star consistently eliminated Angels batters and finished the game with eight quality innings. Even more astonishing, he retired 22 consecutive batters after the initial difficulties, turning the rest of the game into a display of perfect control.

With the Dodgers having a huge advantage, Yamamoto didn’t allow any comebacks to happen.

That’s the kind of performance a true Cy Young contender usually delivers.

This victory wasn’t just a win against a city rival.

It was a warning to the rest of the league.

Since mid-May, the Dodgers have been in incredibly impressive form with a winning streak and explosive scoring ability. The team continues its dominance over the Angels, winning the first five games between the two teams this season.

The most frightening thing is that they don’t rely on a single individual.

When Ohtani isn’t scoring, Freddie Freeman can do it.

When Freeman is shut down, Andy Pages or Ryan Ward can step up.

And behind it all is a quality pitching lineup capable of shutting down any opponent.

Derby games between the Dodgers and Angels always attract special attention in Southern California.

But not many games end in such a dominant fashion.

Nine runs in the first inning.

A trademark home run by Shohei Ohtani.

A top-class performance by Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

And a victory that leaves the opponent with virtually no chance of resistance.

That’s the kind of game that leaves Dodgers fans walking off the field with beaming smiles and leaves the rest of MLB wondering a chilling question:

If the Dodgers can finish a game in just one inning, who will be able to stop them when October truly begins?