After playing a handful of intrasquad scrimmages upon reporting for Summer Camp, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally faced a different team on Sunday night, welcoming the Arizona Diamondbacks to town for the start of a two-game exhibition series.
The Dodgers did not look rusty from the four months off, came out of the gate swinging and cruising to a 9-2 victory at Dodger Stadium.
Mookie Betts got the night started with a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first, and then Max Muncy followed with one of his own. Justin Turner’s infield single loaded the bases, setting the stage for the reigning National League MVP Cody Bellinger to get his first exhibition at-bat.
A lot has been talked about Bellinger’s offseason swing changes, but he put all of that to rest right away by crushing a grand slam down the right-field line off Diamondbacks starter Taylor Widener.
Bellinger had a big night at the plate, also contributing an RBI single in the third inning and finishing 3-for-4 with five RBI.
Almost all of the Dodgers’ regulars that played Sunday also had productive nights with the bat. Betts reached base three times in four trips to the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in his first exhibition at Chavez Ravine as a member of the Dodgers, while Muncy also reached three times, going 2-for-2 with a walk and three runs scored.
Turner and Corey Seager each drove in a run apiece, both going 1-for-2, while Seager also reached via walk.
Dodgers pitching prospect also had a solid outing on the mound, retiring the final 14 hitters he faced after giving up a solo home run to Ketel Marte in the first inning.
Bellinger believes Dodgers need to work on celebrations
With players needing to abide by social distancing rules and not being able to shake hands, it made for a bit of an awkward celebration after the win. Bellinger told Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA after the game that is something they will have to work on.
“I think the only thing we need to work on are end-of-game celebrations,” he said. “We don’t know what to do.”
Roberts agreed, adding, “Yeah, that was probably the most awkward thing. I expect a lot of wins, so I guess we better figure that one out. Going on the field, high-fives, tap on the gloves, we’ve got to clean that one up.”
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