The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t play their home opener until one week into the regular season, but the results were worth the wait as they won 9-3 against the Cincinnati Reds with some late-game heroics from Freddie Freeman and Trea Turner.
In his first time playing a home game at Dodger Stadium, Freeman singled on the first pitch he saw to set the table for the heart of the order. Trea Turner then followed with a single of his own, which advanced Freeman to third.
Justin Turner quickly gave L.A. a 1-0 lead with another single to drive in Freeman. The hit parade kept on going as Max Muncy and Will Smith followed with RBI singles of their own to make it a 3-0 game in the first inning.
Walker Buehler started for the Dodgers and pitched 5.2 innings, allowing just two runs on a home run before he exited the game.
The first pitch that Freddie Freeman sees with the Dodgers at home? A base hit. pic.twitter.com/PeEZC5jv8v
— MLB (@MLB) April 15, 2022
Setting the tone early. pic.twitter.com/w8XyhGIUxg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2022
"Freddie" chants at Dodger Stadium. Chills. pic.twitter.com/sAsqKPjNzu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2022
WILL HE DO IT? pic.twitter.com/YOFCb5ixMM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2022
In the seventh, the Reds tied the game on a solo home run against David Price, who previously recorded the final out in the sixth inning after replacing Buehler.
The Dodgers lineup was held quiet after the first inning until the eighth inning, but they had another offensive outburst to put the game out of reach.
Freeman came through again with a double to begin the inning. It was his first extra-base hit as a Dodger as chants of “Freddie! Freddie” grew louder and louder. Freeman became a bit emotional while standing on second base and acknowledged the fans.
L.A. then regained the lead on an RBI single from Trea Turner, and that was all they needed to win the game. However, they didn’t stop scoring.
Justin Turner followed with a walk before Smith hit his first homer of the season to put L.A. up 7-3. Chris Taylor and Cody Bellinger then hit back-to-back singles before a wild pitch allowed another run to score.
After a walk from Gavin Lux, Mookie Betts drove in another run on a single to make it 9-3.
Dodgers’ next game exclusively on Apple TV+
The Dodgers now make their debut on Apple TV+ when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Jackie Robinson Day. After that, the club won’t be seen again on the streaming service until June 17 when they play the Cleveland Guardians.
The Friday night games being carried by Apple TV+ are be free from local blackout restrictions. However, fans who want to watch them will eventually need to have an active subscription to the streaming service.
A subscription to Apple TV+ costs $4.99 and includes access to the company’s growing library of original TV shows and movies. For a limited time only, Friday Night Baseball games will be available to watch for free in the TV app.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
