The Los Angeles Dodgers opened up Cactus League play in a big way on Saturday afternoon, defeating their Camelback Ranch co-tenants, the Chicago White Sox, 7-6.
The Dodgers’ offense did not waste any time getting the scoring started, tagging White Sox starter Donn Roach for four runs in the first inning. Justin Turner, Russell Martin and Austin Barnes all doubled in the inning, while Kiké Hernandez singled, Max Muncy walked and Alex Verdugo drove in a run with a groundout.
For Martin, the hit was his first as a member of the Dodgers since August 2010. He drove in two with a drive down the right field line that barely landed fair.
Oh, we can get used to this. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/LHRnkEMkZg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 23, 2019
Los Angeles then added two more runs in the second when Turner was hit by a pitch, followed by Muncy’s second walk and then a two-run double by Hernandez.
The big exclamation point for the offense came in the top of the fourth. Joc Pederson took a fastball middle in and launched it well over the right-center field fence, clearing the grass beyond the bleachers for the team’s first Spring Training home run.
The first homer of #DodgersST belongs to @yungjoc650! pic.twitter.com/8cf1gxXUUF
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 23, 2019
Rich Hill got the start for the Dodgers and already looked to be in midseason form. He got a strikeout, pop up and line out to complete a 1-2-3 inning on just seven pitches.
The White Sox battled back and made it interesting, cutting the deficit to one and loading the bases in the ninth, but the Dodgers were able to hold on for their first win of the spring.
