The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to another conceivable candidate for their fifth starter vacancy as Ross Stripling took the hill on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. The appearance was Stripling’s fourth this spring, but his first start of the year.
Padres right-hander Colin Rea struck out the first two batters faced, then got Justin Turner to fly out for a 1-2-3 inning. Stripling worked around a one-out walk to toss a scoreless bottom of the first, ending the inning on a strikeout.
Adrian Gonzalez led off the second with a base hit, but was thrown out attempting to go first to third base on Chase Utley’s single; Utley advanced to second base on the throw. Joc Pederson and A.J. Ellis extended the inning by drawing two-out walks to load the bases.
Stripling wasn’t able to help himself however, as he grounded out. The right-hander did remain sharp on the mound, setting the Padres down in order. After striking out Jose Pirela and Rea in the third, Stripling gave up a solo home run to Jon Jay.
Cory Spangenberg and Derek Norris followed with singles, but Wil Myers flied out to end the inning with the Padres lead remaining 1-0. The run was the first Coleman allowed in 8.2 innings pitched this spring.
Gonzalez collected his second hit of the game and Utley drew a walk to put two on with none out in the fourth inning. Pederson’s single loaded the bases, and Ellis drew a walk to tie the game at 1-1. Stripling struck out on a wild pitch, which allowed Utley to score and the Dodgers to take a 2-1 lead.
CONTINUE READING: Joc Pederson’s home run sparks rally in the eighth inning
