The Los Angeles Dodgers rebounded from beginning the season with back-to-back shutout losses by notching consecutive wins against the San Francisco Giants to earn a split of the Opening Series at Dodger Stadium. They did so by returning the favor with 5-0 and 9-0 victories.
While the Dodgers offense made an appearance on Saturday and Sunday, all the Giants have to show are two Joe Panik solo home runs. San Francisco became the first team in MLB history to win consecutive games by a final score of 1-0, with the same player homering in both contests.
But by that same token, the Dodgers have also etched their name in the record books. The two runs allowed in the series tied the 1915 Philadelphia Phillies for fewest allowed in the first four games of a season, per Stats, LLC.
Additionally, the Giants had previously never failed to score more than one run in four consecutive games to start a season.
It’s a sobering reality for a team coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Offseason acquisitions Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen combined to go 1-for-31 with 10 strikeouts.
Each struck out five times during the four-game series, and McCutchen was responsible for the only hit — a double — between the two. Of course, the entire Giants lineup is at fault for the futility.
Though, the Dodgers pitching staff also deserves praise. Oddly enough, Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen are responsible for surrendering home runs to Panik. Dodgers starters combined for 34 strikeouts over 36 innings, while relievers had seven strikeouts in 11 innings pitched.
