MLB Opening Series: Dodgers defeat Diamondbacks 7-5 in game two in Australia
By Hayden Kane
Game two in Syndey, Australia counted just liked game one did. As it progressed, however, it took on more of an exhibition game feel in the middle innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers cruised for much of the game. Everything changed in the 9th inning, however, as the Dodgers had to fight to hold on for a 7-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
At issue was bullpen usage. With this trip throwing a hitch in each team’s normal Spring Training schedule, both Don Mattingly and Kirk Gibson were inclined to get a number of pitchers involved in the game. The Diamondbacks used six pitchers and the Dodgers used eight; during the moments when the game wasn’t close the Diamondbacks even used a starter (Randall Delgado) and their closer (Addison Reed) just to get them some work in live action.
The large deficit for Arizona was a result of Trevor Cahill’s troubles for the Diamondbacks, as he lasted only four innings and was charged with five earned runs. That was all Dodgers’ starter Hyun-Jin Ryu would have needed; he pitched a cool five shutout innings before giving way to the long line of men out of the bullpen.
On the offensive side of things the Australian crowd was treated to a show from none other than Yasiel Puig. The mercurial outfielder went 3-5 with a double, two batted in, and an adventurous rundown when he got caught up between first and second base.
The Diamondbacks generated some traffic throughout this one, mostly thanks to walks issued by the Los Angeles bullpen. They were not able to convert anything into a rally, however, save for a last gasp in the 9th inning that made the game much more interesting. An authoritative home run from Mark Trumbo made the game 7-5 before Kenley Jansen struck out Gerrardo Parra to end things.
Both teams now travel home to wrap up their Spring Training schedules and prepare for the start of the regular season.
WP: Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP: Trevor Cahill (0-1, 11.25 ERA)
See more coverage of the Australia Opening Series on FanSided.
GIF – Scott Van Slyke’s two-run shot for the Dodgers
Wade Miley goes five innings, strikes out eight
Kershaw cruises to victory in game one
Diamondbacks bus pops flat tire on the way to Sydney Cricket Ground