The Dodgers slugged an MLB Opening Day record eight home runs en route to a convincing 12-5 victory at a sold-out Dodger Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Many Los Angeles fans feared a power drought with the departure of heavy hitters like Yasmani Grandal, Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, but the Dodgers proved the naysayers wrong, as six different players went deep.
Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez, who many pundits believe to be platoon candidates for the 2019 campaign, made their case for spots in the daily lineup with stellar days at the dish. Both players went yard twice and were responsible for seven of the team’s 12 RBI. Pederson also added a double, going 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot.
Hyun-Jin Ryu was fantastic in his first career MLB Opening Day start. The lefty held the Snakes at bay until right fielder Adam Jones hit a solo shot off the back of the Los Angeles bullpen in left field in the top of the sixth frame. In all, Ryu threw six full innings, surrendering just the one earned run on four hits and no walks. He struck out eight Arizona batters.
Zack Greinke, the headlining starter for Arizona, was victimized early and suffered the loss. The former Dodger went just 3-2/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits, four of which were long balls.
Austin Barnes, Corey Seager, Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger also added home runs for the Dodgers.
After a disappointing year at the plate last season, Barnes went 3-for-4 in the eight-hole, extending an already deadly lineup.
Right-hander Yimi Garcia, relieving Ryu in the top of the seventh frame, allowed a first-pitch bomb to first baseman Christian Walker, but was otherwise effective.
Brock Stewart, who assumed the 25th roster spot among some scrutiny, threw the eighth and ninth innings, surrendering three earned runs on four hits, including two doubles.
The Dodgers look to capitalize on their momentum as they send righty Ross Stripling to the bump in Friday’s affair.
First pitch is set for 7:10 PM Los Angeles time.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
According to the broadcast team, we didn’t hit our 8th homer until game 11 last year.
By my calculations Kike and Joc are on pace to each hit 324 homers this year (assuming they start every game). The team is on pace to hit 1,296 homers. It’s gonna be a wonderful season (unless Robbie Ray shuts us out tomorrow).
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The southpaw jinx.
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It will really be interesting to see how we do tomorrow against a lefty, but no matter what it’s just 1 game out of 162.
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I guess I was wrong all off season we didn’t need harper, we have joc and Kike. Nice to see a good opening day at dodger stadium for the team and the fans.
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Joc and Kike have just advised management that they are going on strike and will not play again until given contract extensions totaling 330 million dollars.
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The strange thing is, now that Grandal is gone, Pederson and Hernandez are two of the streakiest hitters on the squad.
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Kike has never had the benefit of being an every day (one position) player. He had a great couple of months at the end of the year last season. Maybe he’s really turned a corner here. I always like to make season-long conclusions based on opening day performances. 🙂
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Looks like my preseason prediction of Barnes making the allstar team this year doesn’t look so crazy now. He, Joc and Kike’ will all break out this year with Kike’ hitting 30 HR. All the hitting aside the guy everyone needs to be talking about is Ryu. He’s now fully proven he’s over his shoulder surgery and is a top of the rotation type arm with that nasty changeup of his. Friedman would be wise to lock him up now in hopes of getting him on a deal instead of letting him walk in free agency for $80 million. I’d give him 3 years $50 million right now.
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I hope I don’t jinx anyone with this comment, but we are incredibly lucky to have had two pitchers come through major shoulder surgery and seemingly come back better than before (Ryu with better control and Urias with better velo). Most pitchers come back from TJ in pretty good shape but shoulder surgery is very iffy. Apparently, from what I’ve read, the odds aren’t nearly as good as with TJ.
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Yeah, that was fun. But I did notice that the Padres only scored 2 yet they are tied for first place…. as are the Rockies who scored half what we did. That just doesn’t seem right. Don’t they know we set a record?
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One of my biggest takeaways was that if Von Scoyoc decides to shave his beard, he may actually look younger than Alex Verdugo. 🤔
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Man, that Philadelphia lineup has a little length to it. Holy smokes.
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Yeah, the Phillies could make some noise in that division this year. even though they aren’t the favorites, they are going to be really tough on days Nola pitches. I was real surprised when anthopolos did next to nothing during the off season, he let the Phillies, and the Mets catch up, if not pass the Braves. Glad we’re not in either one of the other two NL divisions this year.
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Time for Van “what’s his name” to renegotiate his contract and for me to learn how to spell his name
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Pollack looks like a younger “Scocia”.
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Yeah Rich, we’re going to have to hold off on the “Van” jokes for a little while.
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