Dodgers defeat Matt Kemp; Padres 6-3 on Opening Day
- Updated: April 7, 2015
(Photo via Twitter User @Dodgers)
The Dodgers did not disappoint when it came to Opening Day 2015. I’m sure the entire world expected them to put their ace Clayton Kershaw on the mound, considering he’s a 3x Cy Young winner. But anyone who’s been paying attention during the off-season and spring training know that there would be a few major changes to this team. Several of the faces we saw competing for the boys in blue during the 2014 playoffs were now gone, including Dee Gordon, Hanley Ramirez, and of course Matt Kemp. The extra bit of sting was that Gordon and Ramirez were sent thousands of miles away, but Matt Kemp would be suiting up for the opposing San Diego Padres and facing off against Kershaw.
As the first pitch was thrown out at Chavez Ravine, all eyes were on the new guys who were responsible for filling those defensive gaps. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, second baseman Howie Kendrick, and the young outfielder Joc Pederson all seemed ready for the challenge. I’ve got to admit that I was awfully proud of the Dodgers loyal for treating Matt Kemp the way he should have been treated upon his return. Check it out right here.
Most Dodgers fans weren’t surprised to see Matt Kemp do so well at the plate against his ex-teammate Clayton Kershaw. It’s possible, however, that some of them were surprised at the defensive ability of Kemp’s replacement in the outfield. I can understand most fans don’t expect the young guy to look like a superstar every game. I’m here to prepare you. Get used to seeing a lot of these kind of plays from Joc Pederson.
If we’re talking about the players that are more commonly reliable at Dodger Stadium we can shift to our ace Clayton Kershaw who ended today with 8 strikeouts. His curveball is as deadly as ever, but it seems he’s spent the majority of his offseason making that slider even more lethal. Additionally we could turn the focus on our Golden Glove winning 1st baseman, Adrian Gonzalez who led the entire MLB in RBI’s last season. He got off to a successful start if his plan is to be the reliable RBI guy again. Check it out.
Last, but certainly not least we have the two new guys who are the anchors of the Dodgers defense playing right in the middle. Both Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins came to play and brought their best to Chavez Ravine. Most impressive for the 2nd baseman today was probably his RBI double in the bottom of the 7th inning to tie the game 3-3. Howie Kendrick finished the game 2-4 with 2 hits and an RBI, and that’s not mentioning the beautiful double play he turned in the 8th to help out the pitcher.
The player of the game, however, would absolutely have to go to Jimmy Rollins, the Dodgers new veteran SS. I don’t think anyone expected Jimmy to have any opening day jitters, because he currently holds the record for most consecutive opening day hits with 11. He kept that streak going today by getting on base to start the game. He finished the game 2-of-4 with three RBI’s which all came on this game winning HR. Check it out right here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue their series against the San Diego Padres tomorrow at 7:10pm at Dodger Stadium. Padres’ Tyson Ross will square off against the Dodgers outstanding number two, Zack Greinke. For all your Dodgers news, coverage, facts, highlights, and more, be sure to return to CaliSportsNews.com .
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