Spring Training Opener: Dodgers Launch 4 Home Runs In Statement Win

The Dodgers opened spring training with a statement 13-5 win over the Chicago White Sox. Dave Roberts gave a sneak peak at what his opening day lineup may look like. Four different Dodgers homered in the game. In many ways, it felt like a continuation of last season.

Los Angeles opened up with the White Sox at Camelback Ranch due to the fact that the two teams share the spring facility.

The hallmark moment you likely heard about was Matt Kemp’s big swing.

Kemp’s first bomb in his second tour of duty with the Dodgers broke a 3-3 tie. This was not just another exhibition homer for Kemp.

“Y’all act like I’ve been gone forever,” Kemp said with satisfaction. “That was exciting for me.”

The rest of the gang you love and remember was all there. The game was started by young hopeful Wilmer Font who went two scoreless frames on ten pitches. Every pitch he threw was a strike.

Other Notes:

Justin Turner opened scoring with a home run in the bottom of the first inning. Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger each went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Neither struck out on the day. Bellinger’s single was to deep right field and almost left the park. Seager started the opener as the designated hitter rather than shortstop. He remains on a throwing program through the weekend. Logan Forsythe and Kike Hernandez also homered. Alex Verdugo doubled in three at-bats. Pat Venditte went an inning and two-thirds, retiring all five hitters and striking out two. Trayce Thompson had a couple knocks.

Analysis:

The take-home message of the Dodgers spring training opener was a simple one. The first chapter of Dodgers baseball 2018 closed happily and triumphantly. Everyone emerged healthy, which is the greatest hope as your team’s regulars get their work and preparation in. Roberts gave us a good lead indicator as to how he visualizes the opening day lineup presently.

It was nice to see the fellas we’ve all grown to love back in those beautiful home whites, even with a different curtain as the backdrop. Here’s to the rest of the season following suit of the opening act.