The Los Angeles Dodgers enjoyed a memorable Opening Day performance for the ages, slugging an MLB-record eight home runs en route to a 12-5 blowout victory over the rival Arizona Diamondbacks.
The club now looks to make it two in a row when Ross Stripling takes the mound for his first start of the season. The 29-year-old was excellent in Spring Training, posting a 2.76 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against four walks across 16.1 innings pitched.
Plagued by shoulder inflammation for much of the spring, Clayton Kershaw’s stint on the 10-day injured to begin the year has opened the door for Stripling’s inclusion in the rotation.
He looks to build off what was a career 2018 campaign that featured first-time All-Star honors. In 33 games (21 starts), Stripling went 8-6 with a 3.02 ERA, 3.42 FIP and 1.19 WHIP with 136 strikeouts and 22 walks over 122 innings pitched.
The Diamondbacks counter with left-hander Robbie Ray, who has been a thorn in the Dodgers’ side over recent seasons. Last year, he was 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 10.1 innings against Los Angeles.
For his career, Ray owns a lifetime record of 7-3 when facing the Dodgers, having posted a solid 2.68 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 121 strikeouts compared to 41 walks in 90.2 innings of work.
And with a left-hander on the mound, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has adjusted his lineup accordingly. Joc Pederson gives way to Chris Taylor in left field, while David Freese supplants Max Muncy at first base.
Furthermore, Russell Martin makes his regular-season debut in place of Austin Barnes, who hit a home run on Thursday. And though Corey Seager (13 strikeouts in 26 plate appearances against Ray) remains in the lineup, he’s batting fifth, with Justin Turner moved to the two-hole.
For as hot of a Spring Training as he had, Turner oddly did not collect a hit on Opening Day.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Kiké Hernandez
3B: Justin Turner
1B: David Freese
CF: A.J. Pollock
SS: Corey Seager
LF: Chris Taylor
RF: Cody Bellinger
C: Russell Martin
P: Ross Stripling
Diamondbacks lineup:
CF: Jarrod Dyson
3B: Eduardo Escobar
LF: David Peralta
RF: Adam Jones
1B: Jake Lamb
2B: Ketel Marte
SS: Nick Ahmed
C: Alex Avila
P: Robbie Ray
