Live discussion: Dodgers, Angels showing signs of life?

Join Times Dodgers writer Dylan Hernandez and Angels writer Mike DiGiovanna today at 11:30 a.m. as they discuss their respective teams in a live video chat.

The two teams are currently in the midst of a four-game series against each other, with the Dodgers winning the first game on Monday, 8-7. As Hernandez wrote,

“Adrian Gonzalez said the Dodgers’ 8-7 victory over the Angels on Monday night could change the course of the season. Manager Don Mattingly was also hopeful that would be the case.

“That,” Mattingly said, “was a good game.”

“The source of the sudden optimism was the erasing of a 6-1 deficit in the opening game of the Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium, something completely out of character for the last-place Dodgers.

“Until this night, the largest deficit the Dodgers had overcome on their way to a victory was three runs.

“Monday’s victory, which ended the Angels’ eight-game winning streak, was so extraordinary that Mattingly willfully overlooked some obviously disconcerting aspects of the game.

“Supposed pitching savior Zack Greinke was hit hard and pitched only four innings. The defense committed three errors and probably should have been charged with more.

“Still, facing Angels left-hander C.J. Wilson, the Dodgers roared back from a five-run deficit behind Gonzalez, who was four for four with two doubles, scored four runs and drove in one. Scott Van Slyke, starting in right field in place of Andre Ethier, drove in two runs. Juan Uribe came off the bench to collect three hits, including a double. Luis Cruz, who has been in a season-long slump, scored twice.

“Gonzalez scored the winning run in the seventh inning, when Jerry Hairston Jr. drove him in with a single off Robert Coello.

“Gonzalez said he has noticed a change in the players’ collective demeanor since Mattingly called for his team to be mentally tougher last week.

“We’re trying to have a lot of energy,” Gonzalez said. “From the first pitch to the last pitch, just really have lot of energy. There’s definitely a better vibe the last few days.”