The Los Angeles Dodgers closed out Spring Training in a 4-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but the finale of the exhibition Freeway Series ended in odd fashion at Dodger Stadium. Just before 9 p.m. PT, a puddle quickly formed in foul territory just off third base.
The Dodgers at the time held a 4-3 lead and had runners on first and second base with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Groundskeepers gathered with the umpiring crew, Dodgers officials and stadium personnel.
It was determined a water main had burst, but it was unclear if the issue was specific to Dodger Stadium or the City of Los Angeles. All the while, with the game officially suspended, the groundskeepers worked to clear the puddle and dry the area of the warning track by third base.
But with water seeping through the field, their work ultimately proved futile. After a xx-minute delay, the game was called.
It smells like sewage. pic.twitter.com/kbcQzZ0uqM
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) March 28, 2018
Here’s the scene in the first row: pic.twitter.com/H673lyidPK
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) March 28, 2018
“Due to the pipe break in the building and the damage it has done to the field, we are unsure that we can make the field safe to resume play tonight,” a released statement from the Dodgers read. “Therefore the game has now been called complete and an official regulation game.”
While an unfortunate end to the Spring Training slate, that it happened Tuesday night is a bit of a silver lining. The Dodgers have the remainder of the night and a full day Wednesday to repair the issue.
They host the San Francisco Giants on Thursday for Opening Day at Dodger Stadium.
