The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up a 9-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch on Friday in spring training action. Teoscar Hernández paced the offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and three RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Cole Irvin worked 2.0 innings on the mound, allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits. The Dodgers finished with 13 hits on the day while holding the Reds to 7. It was an encouraging performance for the Dodgers as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Teoscar Hernández was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and three RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Dodgers offense.
Max Muncy also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI, Kyle Nevin chipped in, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI, and Santiago Espinal added to the attack, going 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Noelvi Marte led the Reds offense with a 2-for-3 with an RBI day. Carlos Jorge also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI. Matt McLain added a 1-for-3 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Dodgers pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Cole Irvin earned the win after having a rough go of it, working 2.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits with one strikeout. He threw 57 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 5.6 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out nine. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Antonio Knowles recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Myles Caba stood out with 1.0 innings of 1-run work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Dodgers struck first, pushing across four runs in the first inning. Reds struck back with a run in the second. Reds added two runs in the third. The Dodgers responded with two runs in the third. The Dodgers pushed across two runs in the fifth. Reds struck back with two runs in the seventh. The Dodgers answered with a run in the seventh. The Dodgers spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Dodgers out-hit Reds 13-7 on the day, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 12,001 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Dodgers, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Dodgers are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.