The Dodgers strung together somewhat of a peculiar win on Thursday to start their season 1-0 and atop the National League West.
Clayton Kershaw, who was supposed to make his 9th Opening Day start for the Dodgers, was replaced with Dustin May (recalled from Minor League camp) due to back stiffness. Although he was placed on the IL, Kershaw's injury does not seem serious, as he was messing around in the dugout and stands during most fo the game and seemed to be in good spirits. He hurt his back during a workout Tuesday and the Dodgers are most likely being extraordinarily cautious with him.
May pitched very well considering the circumstances, going 4 1/3 and giving up only one run on a lot of soft singles and striking out four on some very, very nasty pitches. Kiké Hernandez had a good night, going 4-5 with a homer and 5 RBI, while Corey Seager hit a double (I believe he's currently tied with Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy for the National League lead).
Mookie Betts ignited the rally in the 7th that broke the tie with a roped single into left field. After asking for the ball, to the delight of Dodger fans, he got to 3rd on a Bellinger double and scored on a ground ball from Turner, showing off his athleticism and diving under a tag at the plate to make the score 2-1. Kiké drove in another two runs and then Barnes forced an error at second base with a hard ground ball up the middle to drive in the Dodgers' 5th run of the night. Muncy pulled off his signature "walk with the bases loaded move" before Betts struck out to end the inning.
Just to continue owning the Giants, Kiké hit a two run homer in the 8th before Brusdar Graterol pitched a scoreless ninth, following dominant relief from Caleb Ferguson, Pedro Baez, and Adam Kolarek.
It was a good win for the Dodgers tonight as nearly everyone played a role in the rallies at some point. I think Dodger fans are going to get used to these sort of games considering the Dodgers' lineup and (lack of) competition. I, for one, am not complaining.
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