The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Chicago Cubs for a Jackie Robinson Day matchup that ended with a walk-off hit from David Peralta.
But before the game began, the Dodgers celebrated the legacy of Jackie Robinson like they have the past two years. Both teams met at the Jackie Robinson statue in the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium, with manager Dave Roberts and Jason Heyward giving speeches.
Heyward additionally addressed fans from the field before the game. All players and members of the coaching staffs were in No. 42, as is tradition on April 15.
Once the game started, the focus was on Michael Grove, who was looking to rebound from a poor outing in his last time out. Grove did exactly that, pitching 5.2 innings while allowing just one run.
Jackie Robinson Day as a Dodger is special. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/lpCvGnu4WS
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 16, 2023
We see you, Jason! pic.twitter.com/yJuKHJGgwL
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 16, 2023
Fire us up, Caleb. pic.twitter.com/XBHBaCwVX8
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 16, 2023
No. 42 WALKS IT OFF! pic.twitter.com/tINNsJT1fa
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 16, 2023
Outman.
Vargas.
Peralta. #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/gFAluSH6ce— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 16, 2023
A walk-off on Jackie Robinson Day! pic.twitter.com/dPASGvJHTp
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 16, 2023
On the other hand, the Dodgers’ offense continued their struggles from the night before. They failed to string anything together for much of the game, only mustering two hits through the first eight innings.
The Cubs nearly added to their one-run lead with the bases loaded in the top of the eighth, but Caleb Ferguson recorded back-to-back strikeouts after taking over for Yency Almonte to keep the Dodgers in the game.
Looking to come back in the ninth, James Outman singled with one out before Miguel Vargas doubled to put runners at second and third base. Heyward struck out, which put the Dodgers’ final hopes on Peralta with two outs.
On the first pitch he saw, Peralta singled into right field, which allowed Outman and Vargas to score, giving L.A. a 2-1 win.
Dodgers on Jackie Robinson night
The Dodgers are 16-3 since MLB officially started celebrating Jackie Robinson Day in 2004, which is good for the best record in baseball. They haven’t lost on the celebratory date since 2014 in a game against the San Francisco Giants.
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