The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup came alive against the Cleveland Guardians, hitting their way to an 11-4 victory after twice trailing in the game at Camelback Ranch.
Guardians starter Zach Plesac struggled early as the Dodgers loaded the bases in the first inning and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Michael Busch put L.A. ahead with an RBI single that also temporarily chased Plesac from the game.
The Guardians came back to take the lead in the second inning on a pair of singles to go up 3-2, but that ended up being the last time they were ahead.
The Dodgers tied the game on an RBI groundout from Miguel Rojas in the fourth inning, and took the lead when Max Muncy hit a no-doubter home run to put L.A. up 5-3. It was Muncy’s first homer of Cactus League play, and a positive sign as many consider him a likely bounce back candidate after a down 2022 season.
Max for the lead! pic.twitter.com/S3AYgwP9JY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 13, 2023
Deluca opens it up
pic.twitter.com/eLuzS38OQP
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 13, 2023
Leonard goes deep
pic.twitter.com/27u6hh19bv
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 13, 2023
Hunter Fedducia, who has received an extended look in spring with Will Smith and Austin Barnes playing in the World Baseball Classic, singled to drive in Miguel Vargas in the fifth inning, putting L.A. ahead 6-3.
They added another two runs when Jonny DeLuca singled to left field, allowing Busch and Andy Pages to score. Busch finished his day 3-for-3, but he was among the players optioned to Minor League camp following the game.
The Dodgers RBI leaders this spring are Feduccia (nine), Freddie Freeman (eight), James Outman (eight), DeLuca (six) and Jorbit Vivas (five). However, they are without many of their starting players due to the WBC.
In the seventh, the Dodgers added to their lead when Eddys Leonard hit a two-run blast. They scored their 11th and final run on an RBI double from Jahmai Jones.
The Guardians added one more run in the eighth inning, which ended the scoring for both sides.
James Outman may not make Dodgers Opening Day roster
Heading into Spring Training there didn’t appear to be many questions regarding the outlook of the Dodgers Opening Day roster for the 2023 season. Particularly after manager Dave Roberts acknowledged early on that Jason Heyward had a lead over other non-roster invitees.
However, Gavin Lux’s ACL injury has created an opening on the position player side, and the likes of Yonny Hernández, Outman and Luke Williams are among those competing to fill the void. Among the group, Outman has stood out, batting .391/.464/.783 with one triple, two home runs, a double and eight RBI over 11 Cactus League games.
Roberts acknowledged the 25-year-old prospect is capable of playing at the Major League level, he intimated Outman might not make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.
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