Spring Training Preview: Ryu Takes The Mound For Second Start
After a strong start to Spring Training, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to keep the ball rolling, as they will face the Texas Rangers in Surprise, Arizona.
The two teams have not faced each other in the regular season since 2009, however, they will play four games between June 15 and June 18. On the mound for the Dodgers this afternoon will be Hyun-jin Ryu, who is making just his second start of the spring. In his previous start, the left-hander pitched two innings and did not allow a baserunner, while also striking out two.
Ryu’s opposition will be Yovani Gallardo, who had a rough 1.2 innings pitched thus far. While this is a small sample size, the right-hander allowed four runs on six hits in those 1.2 innings. Although his ERA is in the stratosphere, it can easily be lowered with just a few outs.
Gallardo was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2004 Draft and played with them until 2014. He then became a Ranger this January after he was traded for three minor-league players.
The Dodgers are coming into this game with a three-game winning streak, and have scored at least five runs in each of those games. Amazingly for the team, they have had a streak of good hitting and pitching this Spring, which is something that can only hope for. While it may not last forever, it is beautiful how the new Front Office’s roster seems to be working out.
The Rangers, with a record of 7-6-1, are coming off a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
With March 17 being St. Patrick’s Day, the Dodgers, along with many other teams, will be playing with green apparel. The Dodgers will be wearing green caps during todays game according to their official twitter account:
Green caps today. #???? #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/bOY5GjEJfV
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 17, 2015
Dodgers Lineup
SS: Jimmy Rollins
LF: Carl Crawford
RF: Yasiel Puig
C: Yasmani Grandal
2B: Howie Kendrick
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Scott Van Slyke
CF: Joc Pederson
DH: A.J. Ellis
P: Hyun-Jin Ryu
Rangers Lineup
CF: Leonys Martin
SS: Elvis Andrus
3B: Adrian Beltre
1B: Kyle Blanks
DH: Ryan Ludwick
LF: Ryan Rua
C: Robinson Chirinos
RF: Jake Smolinski
2B: Ed Lucas
P: Yovani Gallardo
Dodgers 2015 Spring Training – Zack Greinke
