The Los Angeles Dodgers showed no signs of missing their star player Shohei Ohtani as they dominated the San Diego Padres in the first game of the Cactus League season on Thursday. The Dodgers scored eight runs in the first inning and never looked back, winning 14-1 at Peoria Sports Complex.
Dodgers Offense Explodes in First Inning
The Dodgers wasted no time in putting the game out of reach, sending 12 batters to the plate in the first inning and scoring eight runs off Padres starter Joe Musgrove. Teoscar Hernández, a recently signed left fielder, was instrumental, registering a two-run ground-rule double. Chris Owings, Andy Pages, and Kevin Padlo also drove in runs with hits, while Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, and Cody Bellinger drew walks. The Dodgers had a commanding eight-run lead by the time the Padres were able to record an out.
Dodgers Pitching Shuts Down Padres Lineup
The Dodgers’ pitching staff was just as impressive, allowing only one run and four hits to the Padres, who have a potent lineup featuring Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Jake Cronenworth. Gavin Stone started for the Dodgers and pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three. Michael Grove, Alex Vesia, Ricky Vanasco, Eduardo Salazar, Stephen Gonsalves, Kevin Gowdy, and Elieser Hernandez followed with one inning each, combining for nine strikeouts and two walks.
Dodgers Prospects Shine in Spring Training Debut
The Los Angeles Dodgers used the game to showcase their prospects, as Spring Training gives the best teams a chance to assess their talent pool. The Dodgers are expected to be among the best teams in 2024, so the opening day of Spring Training gave younger players a chance to establish themselves as strong candidates for roster spots. Prospects like Trey Sweeney, Austin Gauthier, and Drew Avans showed their skills as pipeline powerhouses with one hit each. Sweeney, a shortstop drafted in the first round last year, hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. Gauthier, a catcher acquired from the Red Sox in the Ohtani trade, hit a two-run double in the seventh inning. Avans, an outfielder drafted in the 10th round in 2023, hit an RBI single in the eighth inning.
The Dodgers’ decisive victory acts as an early statement of intent, even though Spring Training results should be taken with a grain of salt. The team’s intriguing story for the upcoming season is crafted by the combination of seasoned veterans and bright prospects. The Dodgers and San Diego Padres’ opening Spring Training game offered a preview of two NL West rivals as they prepare for a fierce regular season.
