Dodgers Team News

Opening Series Recap: Dodgers Recover and Crush Giants

Well, that’s a wrap! Despite losing to Joe Panik in Games 1 and 2, Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood both threw excellent games. Sunday night, the Dodgers went for the rubber match game win to tie the opening series at two games apiece. They once again came out swinging and crushed the Giants 9-0. Although the first three games didn’t all go as planned for the Dodgers there are still some really positive takeaways from them. Here is an opening series recap for the Dodgers opening series against the Giants.

Games 1-3 Recap

First, our starting pitching is looking really good this year. Not only that, but they are doing it against a revamped Giants lineup that was one of the offensive of leaders during Spring Training. Despite not being his best self Kershaw still pitched six innings of one-run ball in game two. Then, in game two, Wood pitched one of the better games of his career going eight shutout innings allowing only one hit. And lastly, Maeda struck out 10 Giants batters in only five innings Saturday night. Beyond that, it is important to note that our bullpen has only allowed one run in eleven innings so far (including tonight’s game).

However, the first three games weren’t all good news. After being non-existent in Games 1 and 2 the Dodgers offense showed up and scored five runs in Saturday night’s game. Though it is certainly a small sample size many fans were wanting to see more offense from our Boys in Blue. Despite the lackluster offense it is easy to say that we shouldn’t worry about this lineup. Even through slumps and injuries last year our lineup was still one of the best in all the Majors. Which brings us to tonight’s game.

Games 4 Recap

Tonight’s matchup featured the ageless wonder Rich Hill and Giants pitcher Chris Stratton. Once again the game was moving along like games 1 and 2. However, in the fourth inning, Cody Bellinger drove home Corey Seager on a rather fun play. After Bellinger hit a fly-ball to left-center field, Seager advanced to third on Hunter Pence’s throw. The throw, being cut off, then went to try and catch Puig between first and second. And while the Giants were busy chasing down Puig, Seager scampered home to score. Fun play for the Dodgers, embarrassing for the Giants.

For the next couple innings, Stratton and Hill were continuing their battle. That is, until the bottom of the sixth. With one out, the Dodgers scored four consecutive runs. Yasiel Puig drove home Chris Taylor on a double. Grandal drove in Puig with a single. And Bellinger capped it off with his first home run of the season – a shot to left-field.

Once again the bottom of the eighth the Dodgers jumped all over Giants pitching. Tacking on four more runs, highlighted by Kike Hernandez double, the Dodgers stretched their lead to 9-0. After taking the lead in the seventh, the Dodgers once again handed the ball off to the bullpen. Tony Cingrani, Josh Fields, and Wilmer Font combined for three more shutout innings, holding the Giants to only one hit.

The Takeaway

Despite a rough start to the season, the Dodgers really came out swinging in the third and fourth game. Overall the Dodgers outscored the Giants 14-2 in the four-game set. And arguably the best part were the starters. Kershaw, Wood, Maeda, and Hill combined to hold the Giants to one run, striking out 27 Giants in 25 innings. Not a bad start at all gents. Not a bad start at all.

Dodgers Win Their First Game of the Season

Blake Coble

Born and raised in SoCal and bled Blue my whole life. Absolutely love baseball and absolutely love the Boys in Blue! I have a fascination with analyzing the statistics and trends that drive player performance, and I love following our minor league prospects as well! Active duty Air Force currently stationed in Central California! Follow me on Twitter @yarritsblake

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