The Los Angeles Dodgers had an impressive start to their 2024 season, defeating the San Diego Padres 14-1 in their first spring training game.
The Dodgers showcased their offensive power by scoring eight runs in the first inning, causing the early exit of Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove.
The Dodgers have put up EIGHT in their first inning of action in 2024 pic.twitter.com/fxe6uPTuc3
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 22, 2024
Throughout the game, 12 different Dodgers players contributed hits, leading to a total of 12 hits.
The Padres’ only run came from Jake Cronenworth’s solo home run off Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia.
The Dodgers used a total of eight pitchers who collectively allowed seven hits, five walks, and recorded 12 strikeouts.
ICYMI: Scoring highlights from your Los Angeles Dodgers as they took an 8-0 lead over the San Diego Padres today in the first inning!🔥🙌
🎥: @SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com/V4tZYdsEEA
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 22, 2024
After an aggressive offseason, where the Dodgers committed over $1.2 billion in future pay to free agents, the team finally had a chance to prove themselves on the field.
They made a strong statement by scoring eight runs in the first inning against the Padres.
This dominant performance solidified the Dodgers’ position as a top team in the league.
The game marked the first spring training game of 2024 for both teams.
The Dodgers took the lead early in the game, causing the Padres starting pitcher, Joe Musgrove, to be replaced.
Los Angeles continued to put pressure on the Padres, scoring more runs and building a substantial lead.
The Padres struggled to respond, with their top players going down in order.
Overall, the Dodgers’ offensive prowess and solid pitching performance earned them a convincing victory over the Padres.
This win sets a strong tone for their upcoming season.
According to FanGraphs, the Dodgers are projected to win 94.5 games in 2024, while the Padres are projected to win 81.3 games.
The San Diego Padres’ first spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers highlighted areas of concern for the Padres’ pitching staff.
The Dodgers demonstrated their offensive prowess, quickly taking an 8-0 lead in the first inning.
Top of the 1st Inning Update
Slide into the comments with your inning insights! 🚀#LADvsSD pic.twitter.com/1G7ElvO5xp
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 22, 2024
Teoscar Hernández, Chris Ownings, and Kevin Padlo were particularly impressive, delivering hits that put the Padres on the defensive.
This offensive display reminded everyone of the Dodgers’ dominance and the challenges other teams will face in trying to compete.
The Dodgers are beating the Padres 8-0. There's one out in the first inning:
Mookie Betts Walk
Chris Taylor Single
James Outman HBP
Teoscar Hernández 2-run double
Austin Barnes Strikeout
Gavin Lux Walk
Chris Owings 2-run double
Andy Pages 2-run single
Kevin Padlo 2-run home run— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) February 22, 2024
The Padres’ pitching troubles continued when Gabe Mosser took the mound.
His performance only emphasized these concerns, especially with an upcoming series against the Dodgers in Seoul.
On the other side, Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone showed why he should be watched this season, shutting down the Padres’ top batters.
As both teams move beyond this game, the Padres will need to find answers and make adjustments to their pitching lineup, while the Dodgers have given their fans plenty of hope with their explosive offense and strong pitching.
This spring training showdown signals exciting and intense matchups between these two teams in the regular season.
The Dodgers and Padres are preparing for an early start to the regular season, with games scheduled in Seoul, South Korea on March 20 and 21.
They will also face off in another spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale on Friday.
Fans reacted as follows:
don’t give it too much hope, the 2023 cardinals won the most spring training games lol
— internet hall of fame (@InternetH0F) February 22, 2024
Someone’s gotta shut the Dodgers down.
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) February 22, 2024
3 pitchers in the top first is crazy lowkey
— Rosie (@ytRosie) February 22, 2024
Can’t wait for them to win 108 games, lose in the NLDS, and complain the playoffs aren’t fair. Seriously can’t wait
— big eddie (@iloveryanpoles) February 22, 2024
Hang on, apparently you can't play baseball with 4 days off, how the hell can you possibly do it with 4 months off?
— Dynamic Voltage Games (@dynamic_voltage) February 22, 2024
The Dodgers are about to start a Spring Training dynasty. They will win four of the next five Cactus League titles.
— Kevin Hein (@KevinHe57306966) February 22, 2024
Jesus the Dbacks really did a number on this team. Last game they played was getting swept on the road at Chase. Seems like some frustration needed to be vented 😂
— gorillamuse (@AZZooted) February 22, 2024
Fire Roberts if this doesn’t happen every inning
— cj (@cj_on_x) February 22, 2024
It’s good to see a hot start. 162 games + playoffs is a marathon.
— Jeff Moll (@bigjeffm) February 22, 2024
A lot of Dodgers fans and Shohei Ohtani jerseys at Peoria for the Cactus League opener! pic.twitter.com/uJ8TT1OtBN
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 22, 2024
Final from Peoria, 14-1. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/CjnTxWkqdK
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 22, 2024
May as well end the season now and crown them. All of the baseball haters, like the commish for example would love that kind of shortened season.
— whodat season, lets geaux! (@Michellecajun) February 22, 2024
2,4,6,8 who do we appreciate? Padres! Padres! Thankssssssss Padres!
— Robert Mayes (@RobertM77709493) February 22, 2024
FINAL: #Dodgers 14, Padres 1 pic.twitter.com/dZL2f66keB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 22, 2024
Yoshinobu Yamamoto on potentially being named the Dodgers opening day starter:
"I don't think that's official yet, but if I throw that would be such an honor, and I would do my best to contribute to the win."
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) February 22, 2024
The Dodgers’ first lineup of spring training:
1. Mookie Betts, 2B
2. Chris Taylor, SS
3. James Outman, CF
4. Teoscar Hernández, LF
5. Austin Barnes, C
6. Gavin Lux, DH
7. Chris Owings, 3B
8. Andy Pages, RF
9. Kevin Padlo, 1BGavin Stone is getting the start.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) February 22, 2024
Dodgers have already scored as many runs as they did in the NLDS
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) February 22, 2024