Dodgers Postgame: Spring Training Debut Ends in Rout Over San Diego Padres
The Dodgers couldn't wait to get started Thursday — and it showed.
In their first exhibition game of 2024, the Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 14-1 at Peoria Sports Complex. They scored eight runs in the first inning and knocked out Joe Musgrove before the veteran right-hander could record a single out.
The Dodgers' 12-hit attack was a balanced contribution from familiar veterans and minor league hopefuls. Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández and non-roster invitee Chris Owings hit ground-rule doubles in the first inning that scored two runs apiece.
That set up the Dodgers' only home run, a two-run shot by non-roster invitee Kevin Padlo against San Diego right-hander Carter Loewen.
The Dodgers scored another six runs in the sixth inning, all against right-hander Moises Lugo. Twelve different players collected one hit apiece for the Dodgers.
ESPN carried the national broadcast of the game and mic'd up different players on each team for in-game interviews. They had to cut short their interview with Fernando Tatis Jr. — in the middle of Padlo's home run — because the Dodgers' first-inning rally ran so long.
ESPN also interviewed Dodgers outfielders James Outman and Hernandez during the game:
Here are some of the key highlights from the game:
Not included in those highlights: Gavin Lux went 1 for 2 with a walk and a single — a successful return to the field one year after he damaged multiple ligaments in his knee, ending his 2023 season before it could begin. Coincidentally, he suffered the injury at Peoria Sports Complex too.
The Padres scored their only run on a solo home run by Jake Cronenworth off Dodgers left-hander Alex Vesia:
Eight other pitchers — Gavin Stone, Michael Grove, Ricky Vanasco, Elieser Hernandez, Stephen Gonsalves, Kevin Gowdy, Eduardo Salazar and John Rooney — each tossed a scoreless inning. The Dodgers allowed seven hits and five walks while striking out 12 as a team.
It's no coincidence the Dodgers and Padres were the only teams in action around MLB on Thursday. They will begin their regular season earlier than every other team — March 20 and 21 in Seoul, South Korea — and opened their spring training camps earlier than every other team as a result.
The two teams will play each other again Friday at 12:08 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch—Glendale.
