First pitch was delayed by more than two hours because of the wait for inclement weather to clear, and once that occurred, the Los Angeles Dodgers jumped out ahead early en route to defeating the San Francisco Giants, 10-4, at Scottsdale Stadium.
Dereck Rodríguez opened the game by walking Chris Taylor, then was let down by his defense. Max Muncy’s single to right field and an error on Jaylin Davis allowed Taylor to score from first base.
That was a sign of things to come as San Francisco’s three errors led to a two-run inning for the Dodgers. Rodríguez was removed after facing six batters; he collected two strikeouts but exited with a 2-0 deficit.
Coming off a season in which he tied a career-high with 35 home runs, Max Muncy hit the Dodgers’ first long ball of 2020 Spring Training. His leadoff homer in the third extended the Dodgers lead to 3-0, and Kiké Hernandez created more separation with a two-run blast that inning.
Taylor gave L.A. three home runs when he went to the opposite field in the fourth inning.
On the pitching side, Tony Gonsolin worked a 1-2-3 first inning, aided by strong defensive play. Dennis Santana also set the Giants down in order, needing just eight pitches to get through the second.
Mauricio Dubon represented the Giants’ offense through the first several innings, as he tagged Josh Sborz for a solo home run in the third inning and in the fifth hit an RBI single off Brett de Geus.
Luis Vasquez then surrendered solo home runs to Joey Bart and Ryan Howard in the seventh inning. Rocky Gale, who was celebrating his 32nd birthday, provided some breathing room with a two-run double in the eighth.
Most importantly, the Dodgers got through the game without suffering any injuries. That was of some concern when the day began because of the rainy weather. “We’re certainly going to go over there and walk it, see how it looks,” manager Dave Roberts said before his team bused from Camelback Ranch.
“Especially early on, very, very cognizant of health, for sure. It’s not ideal. They want to get this game in. It’s their call. But I do think once we get there, once the umpires get there, we can make a decision. But to get us over there is step No. 1.”
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