The Los Angeles Dodgers completed their first full Cactus League game since Wednesday and took advantage of clear skies at Camelback Ranch in a 7-1 in against the Texas Rangers.
With the victory, the Dodgers swept the Rangers in their two head-to-head meetings of Spring Training this year.
Michael Grove’s fourth Cactus League appearance was his first start and best performance thus far. He allowed just two baserunners and collected six strikeouts over 3.1 innings. Grove struck out four batters in a row during one stretch.
He remains part of the competition to be the Dodgers’ fifth starter come Opening Day, although Gavin Stone may have the inside track.
Grove exited his start with a lead thanks to Will Smith’s first home run of Spring Training. Smith’s solo blast wound up being a precursor of what was to come from the Dodgers.
Michael Grove mowing 'em down. pic.twitter.com/4zsRupeoi2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 9, 2024
Will Smith got a pitch to hit, and he did damage.
(🎥: @Dodgers) pic.twitter.com/3GkAVJoiZY— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) March 9, 2024
A souvenir from Chris Okey. pic.twitter.com/Y62KPuH6ij
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 9, 2024
Chris Owings for two! pic.twitter.com/PunNHhdulk
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 9, 2024
Chris Okey hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to provide some insurance and Chris Owings added his own multi-homer in the eighth that broke the game open.
Blake Treinen injured; Dodgers bullpen dominates
Daniel Hudson celebrated his 37th birthday on Saturday by striking out both batters faced to end the fourth inning after taking over for Grove.
Blake Treinen then entered in the fifth inning but was removed after facing just two batters because of being hit in the right ribs by a comebacker. Treinen walked off the field under his own power and was taken for X-rays and a CT scan.
J.P. Feyereisen finished off the fifth inning but struggled in the sixth and exited with a runner on base that eventually scored.
Joe Kelly had two strikeouts in a perfect seventh inning and Ryan Brasier retired the side in order in the eighth. T.J. McFarland finished off the game with a quick ninth.
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