There was no eight-run first inning but the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to pull out a 4-1 victory over the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch.
Landon Knack was stellar in his two innings of work, striking out four and not allowing a single baserunner. Knack is on the outside looking in when it comes to the Opening Day roster because the Dodgers having a plethora of starting options, but the right-hander should make his MLB debut in 2024.
Freddie Freeman started his Spring Training with a bang, homering on the first pitch he saw to put the Dodgers up 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning. He followed that up with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning to finish with a two-RBI performance.
Chris Okey’s RBI single in the seventh inning provided the Dodgers with some additional breathing room.
Miguel Vargas had himself an encouraging day as he looks to make a strong impression on the Dodgers coaching staff and front office in order to earn a spot in the crowded outfield. On paper, Vargas had a great offensive showing with a double, base hit and run scored. Though, he had some good fortune with an infield single.
More important and impressive was his defensive effort in left field. Vargas made plays running to his left, including a sliding catch in shallow left field, which was all the more encouraging when you factor in he’s transitioning to the outfield.
The Dodgers bullpen followed up Knack’s two clean innings by holding the Padres to one run for the rest of the game. Mitchell Tyranski worked himself into some trouble in the eighth inning but escaped a bases-loaded jam.
All told, Dodgers pitching held the Padres offense to just two runs in their back-to-back matchups.
These two teams will not see each other again until they meet in the Seoul Series to open the 2024 regular season on March 20.
Dodgers superstars in midseason form
Mookie Betts had strong plate appearances in the Cactus League opener, finishing with two walks and making good contact but getting robbed of a hit. The same could be said for Freeman who had the aforementioned first at-bat home run and sacrifice fly.
That’s an encouraging sign for the Dodgers as Betts and Freeman, who were National League MVP finalists last year, will again be instrumental to the team’s success and have a shorter Spring Training period to get prepared.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
