Runs A Plenty In Dodgers Win Against Royals

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times 

The Dodgers made up for last night’s lost in runs as they score 7 with most of their expected lineup in the game. 

It was Clayton Kershaw’s spring training debut as he looked sharp on the mound while giving up no runs on two hits with a strikeout. He only pitched two innings, but Kershaw looked dominant as he didn’t let the two hits affect his game at all. Mike Kickham came in after Kershaw and earned the win as he battled through 2.2 innings of work and giving up 3 runs. While the pitching was on display for the Dodgers last game, the offense was what made it special for them in this game.

The offense was on full display for the Dodgers as they started most of their veterans which included Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chris Taylor, among others. The offense started with Gavin Lux, who is still making his case for starting second base on Opening Day, as he drove in a run with a infield single. The Dodgers bats came to life with most of their full lineup on display as hits came from Betts, Beaty, Seager, and most noticeably Chris Taylor.

Chris Taylor Cashes In With Huge Game 

Speaking of the hits from Taylor, one was a grand slam that gave the Dodgers the lead in the top of the fifth. He had himself a day as he went 2-for-3 with a double into deep center field before following it up with the monster home run. Taylor figures to help the Dodgers again as being that utility player that man any position effectively and still put up strong offensive numbers.

Last season, Taylor had a decent season at the plate with a .270 batting average with 8 home runs and 32 runs batted in. He also had an OPS+ of 128 which proves that he’s a solid hitter at the plate and was a key player in the Dodgers system as they went on to win the World Series last season. His versatility also makes him a great player for the Dodgers that are already loaded with depth as he can fill in a hole the Dodgers may suddenly have and should feel confident with Taylor manning the position.

Kody Hoese Shows Displays Power To Cap Off Game

Hoese was the other Dodgers player with a home run as he came off the bench for Luke Raley. Hoese is the Dodgers 6th best prospect in the Dodgers system according to FanGraphs as he showed off a display of his hitting ability despite not having much raw power at the plate. He’s more known for his athletic swing as he can produce a lot of contact and while he profiles as a third basemen, he can move to shortstop for the lack of raw power that the position demands for. Either way, this is a name that Dodgers fans should be excited for and should continuously watch as he progresses in the system.

KODY HOESE SIGHTING pic.twitter.com/cltjmsUEHt

— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) March 5, 2021

Up Next

The Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres on Saturday and pitching for the boys in blue will be Trevor Bauer as he looks to make his second start of spring training. The Padres will look to counter with Chris Paddack as he makes his second start of the spring as well. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 PT.

Jacob Cisneros is a writer for Dodgers LowDown. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram @_JacobCisneros.