The Los Angeles Dodgers traveled to Surprise Stadium on Sunday afternoon to face the Kansas City Royals in the first game of a split-squad doubleheader.
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw made his fourth start of the spring, and once again turned in a solid effort. Despite giving up a first-inning home run to Mike Moustakas, which was Kershaw’s first hit and run allowed this year, he was able to get through four innings of work giving up just the one run and two hits while striking out four.
The Dodgers provided Kershaw with early run support, as they exploded for four runs in the second inning and another run in the third to take a 5-1 lead.
Charlie Culberson got everything started as he led off the second with a triple to right field. Left fielder Tyler Holt then cashed him in with a single to left:
After Kershaw ended a seven-pitch at-bat with an infield single and Chase Utley walked, Joc Pederson came up with the bases loaded. The center fielder continued his solid spring, singling to right and scoring Holt:
Third baseman Justin Turner then followed with a two-run double to cap off the Dodgers’ rally:
The Dodgers’ final run came when Culberson again provided a jumpstart. He led off the third with a base hit and later scored on Brett Eibner’s double:
The Royals mounted a late comeback, fell short in a 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.
