The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t had much time to get prepared for Opening Day, although they looked as ready as ever in exhibition games against the Arizona Diamondbacks the last two nights.
After cruising to a 9-2 victory in the series opener, the Dodgers brought out the bats again on Monday, crushing Arizona to the tune of a 12-1 win to complete the sweep.
Corey Seager got things started with a double to lead off the bottom of the second inning. He has been as locked in as anyone so far in camp, earning another three hits on Monday while scoring two runs.
The first run was scored on a two-run home run off the bat of Joc Pederson, who also has been swinging a hot bat. Pederson hit three home runs in the Dodgers’ intrasquad games and added a fourth with the shot to center off Diamondbacks starter Taylor Clarke.
The inning then continued with the Dodgers scoring three more runs on a home run off the bat of Mookie Betts, who seems to be making himself at home at Dodger Stadium.
Talk about a one-two punch. pic.twitter.com/IsBvIHyFta
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2020
Betts will be the spark plug at the top of a very potent Dodgers lineup, which has too many quality hitters for just nine spots.
Chris Taylor got the start at second base and hit eighth on Monday night. He made the most of the opportunity, going 2-for-4 with a double, walk and three-run home run. Taylor’s blast in the fifth inning broke the game wide open.
A CT3 souvenir for a cutout fan. pic.twitter.com/rEebClkIwo
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2020
Taylor’s versatility will be a big factor for the Dodgers in 2020 as they plan to use the universal designated hitter to get their everyday players off their legs. He has the ability to fill in for any player at essentially any position while not giving up anything on either side of the ball, which will be huge for L.A. in a shortened season without a lot of days off.
Urias shines in final tuneup
Julio Urias got the start on the mound against Arizona in his final outing before the regular season, and he looked ready to go.
The lefty gave up a solo home run in the second inning to Ildemaro Vargas, but otherwise settled in and had a very solid outing, tossing five innings of one-run ball while allowing four hits with three strikeouts and a walk.
He is lined up to likely start the Dodgers’ fourth game of the regular season on Sunday evening against the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers have to finish their exhibition schedule first though, and they will do so Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
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