NFL
LA Rams– They wrapped up the preseason Thursday, Sept. 1 with a 25-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams finished the preseason even at 2-2. The past four exhibition games were a success for the stout starting Rams defense but a rough four games for quarterback Jared Goff, the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. Because of the rough beginning to his career, Goff will surprisingly hold the clipboard on the bench behind starting quarterback Case Keenum, who started part of the 2015 season. The Rams open the regular season on the road against division-rival San Francisco 49ers. In 2016, the Rams will call Los Angeles their home after 20 years residing in St. Louis, MO.
MLB
LA Angels– The Angels started off September with a disappointing 11-8 loss at the hands of division foes Seattle Mariners. The Angels gave up nine runs in the second to Mariners’ hitters and could not recover from the disastrous inning. The Angels went on to win the next games to obtain the series win. In scarier news, starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker got struck in the head by a 105 mph line drive off the bat of Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager. Initial x-rays show a small skull fracture. Finally, the Angels went on to score ten runs in an opening series 10-7 win over the Oakland Athletics on Monday.
Player of the week: Mike Trout: 2 HR, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 1 SB
LA Dodgers– Rookie pitcher and highly touted prospect Jose De Leon tossed a solid debut Sunday against the San Diego Padres. De Leon lasted six innings and gave up three earned runs while striking out nine Padres on his way to his first career win. The Dodgers managed to win the weekend series against San Diego to start the month off positively. On Monday, The Dodger opened up their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 10-2 win. In bigger news, reigning Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw will return to the Dodgers clubhouse to pitch Friday against the Miami Marlins. Kershaw had been out since June 26 due to discomfort associated with a herniated disk.
Player of the week: Jose De Leon: W(1-0), 6 innings, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 9K