The Los Angeles Dodgers have a huge third inning with a grand slam and a follow up home run to put the Dodgers ahead 6-1.
The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed the San Diego Padres to Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, but they didn’t leave the welcome mat out too long as Joc Pederson sent a grand slam into the seats to put the Dodgers into the lead.
With the bases loaded in the third inning, Dodgers centerfielder Joc Pederson to sent the ball into the right field stands for a grand slam on a 3-1 count, driving in Justin Turner, Adrian Gonzalez, and Logan Forsythe. That put the Dodgers up 5-1 over the Padres.
The Dodgers didn’t stop there, though. Yasmani Grandal was up next, and he also sent a ball flying into the right field stands, making it 6-1 Dodgers.
The 2017 season was a marked change for the visiting San Diego Padres, who got on the board first after Yangervis Solarte’s single drove in Wil Myers. The Padres hosted the Dodgers for last year’s Opening Day series and the Dodgers shut them out in all three games.
With the score at 1-0 Padres, it was Joc Pederson’s sacrifice fly to right field that brought in Adrian Gonzalez to tie the game.
Joc Pederson had a .246 average in 2016 with 25 home runs and 68 RBI. His strong bat makes him a good choice for the six spot in the batting order, and so far it looks like it’s the right choice as he can drive in the top of the batting order.
Next: Los Angeles Dodgers: 2017 MLB season preview
The Dodgers are focused on defending their spot at the top of the National League West in 2017 after taking it from the San Francisco Giants in 2016. After going to the postseason last year, the Dodgers are looking for a repeat trip in 2017.