The Los Angeles Dodgers went into their 2017 Opening Day matchup against the San Diego Padres riding a six-game winning streak in such contests. It was tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the longest Opening Day streak in the Majors.
While the Padres jumped out to a 1-0 lead, aided by a Corey Seager throwing error. The Dodgers tied the game in the second inning, and exploded for five runs in the third.
Justin Turner sparked a two-out rally with a double to left-center field. Adrian Gonzalez was intentionally walked once Jhoulys Chacin fell behind in the count, and Logan Forsythe was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Joc Pederson managed to turn on a high fastball, lining a grand slam into the right field stands:
Nothing says "Happy Opening Day" like a GRAND SLAM. ? #JocPop pic.twitter.com/ye7gumlZQK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 3, 2017
Pederson’s grand slam was the Dodgers’ first on Opening Day since Eric Karros’ in 2000 on the road against the Montreal Expos. Pederson’s five RBI to that point ranked the Dodgers’ most in an season opener since Raul Mondesi’s six RBI in 1999.
Pederson slugged 26 and 25 home runs, respectively, in his first two seasons with the Dodgers.
