While most people had to work today, the Dodger faithful and baseball fans across the country tuned in or attended the first game of the season. The air was perfect, the sun was just right and the LA traffic didn’t disappoint. I’m not sure how many Opening Day’s this is for myself and my Dad but, I know it is more than 10. Though, this one was one for the record books. Literally, the Dodgers set a MLB record today.
I don’t know how the Dodgers could have started the season any better. They put on a clinic and were basically hitting off a tee today. The Los Angeles Dodgers took game 1 of their 2019 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 12-5. A total of eight Home Run’s were hit by the Dodgers today and the power from last year has certainly carried over. The eight Home Run’s hit by the Dodgers today is now a Major League record.
Max Muncy got the scoring started today on an RBI groundout in the first inning. This was promising because while it’s only the first game of the season, situational hitting was something that the Dodgers really struggled with in 2018. I mean, I can’t tell you the amount of games I attended where the Dodgers could have scored 20+ times but could never come away with a run. After that first run, the flood gate opened and the Dodgers abused the Diamondbacks pitching.
Arizona’s starting pitcher and former Dodger, Zack Greinke, did not have his best stuff today and the results indicate such. Greinke allowed Home Run’s to Joc Pederson, Kiké Hernandez, Austin Barnes and Corey Seager. After Greinke was pulled, reliever Matt Koch did not fare well against this explosive offense. Koch would give up Home Run’s to Joc Pederson, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger and Kiké Hernandez. And no I’m not making a mistake and yes you are reading this correctly. Joc Pederson and Kiké Hernandez had HUGE days today.
There are a couple different storylines to tackle right now. Ryu was stellar in his first Opening Day start and Corey Seager looked like he never missed a beat.
A little over a week ago, the Dodgers still didn’t know who was going to be starting on Opening Day. With Rich Hill straining his MCL and Walker Buehler not being ready enough, there was no other option than Hyun Jin Ryu. Looking to repeat his success in 2018, Ryu took the mound and tossed 6 innings of 1 run ball while striking out 8 batters.
Now onto the man that we’ve all waited for, Corey Seager. Seager hardly played last year due to Tommy John surgery and his presence was missed in the lineup. The Dodgers played it safe with Seager during Spring Training and it definitely payed off. Corey Seager crushed a Home Run today and made some stellar plays on defense. It is safe to say that this Shortstop is definitely better than the one that was acquired last season. Just kidding, each player is excellent and the competition is very comparable.
For those of you that attended the game, how was the experience? And for those that weren’t able to attend the game, how did you watch the game?
Leadoff Dodgers 