The Los Angeles Dodgers fell a bit flat in the start of their title defense, but rebounded with three consecutive wins to take the series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
The Dodgers added to that momentum with back-to-back victories over the Oakland Athletics, despite Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor both sustaining a relatively minor injury. Taylor was available to pinch-run and play the field on Tuesday, but didn’t appear in the game.
He was full-go for the series finale against the A’s, starting in center field because Mookie Betts was saddled by lower back stiffness. Taylor also was slotted into the leadoff spot of the Dodgers’ lineup, where he went 2-for-4 with a double and walk.
L.A. was just 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position and had their five-game winning streak snapped with a 4-3 loss in 10 innings. “I thought it was a good road trip,” Taylor said after the game.
“Didn’t start or finish the way we wanted to, but overall I think we’re playing good baseball, putting good at-bats together. We went 5-2, so it’s a good start.”
The Dodgers were one of the top hitting teams through the first week of play as they received contributions from nearly every player.
While the team has largely fared well thus far, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted there was plenty of room for improvement despite taking three of four from the Rockies. The Dodgers did proceed to cut down on some of their mental mistakes during the series in Oakland.
Taylor excited for World Series ring ceremony
The Dodgers are off Thursday before beginning their first homestand of the season. Prior to facing the Washington Nationals on Friday afternoon, the team will receive their World Series rings during a pregame ceremony.
“I think it’s definitely going to be cool and kind of surreal to get them,” Taylor said. “But I haven’t really thought about what it’s going to look like or anything. I want to be surprised when I get it.”
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