Editorials

Spring Training Recap: Dodgers Bullpen Fails To Protect Lead In Loss

Vincent Samperio-Dodgers Nation
Vincent Samperio-Dodgers Nation

PAGES: 1 | 2

As one half of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ split-squad was playing to another win over the Texas Rangers in big league weekend, the portion of the team that remained behind in Arizona took the field against the Colorado Rockies.



The Dodgers got on the board early behind an Andre Ethier two-out, two run home run off of Jhoulys Chacin. Meanwhile, making his first start of the spring, Chad Gaudin opened the bottom of the first with a strikeout of Drew Stubbs and went on to retire the side in order.

Juan Uribe and O’Koyea Dickson both singled in the second inning, but the Dodgers were unable to get either baserunner across. Gaudin kept the Rockies scoreless again in the second to protect the Dodgers’ early 2-0 lead.

After issuing a walk to Carl Crawford, Chacin threw a wild pitch that allowed Crawford to take second and then third base on a Michael McKenry throwing error. Craword came around to score on Howie Kednrick’s RBI double to left field. Scott Van Slyke’s sacrifice fly plated another run and the Dodgers led 4-0 headed to the bottom of the third.

The Rockies’ first hit off Gaudin came in the third inning as Nick Hundley smacked a ground-rule double over Van Slyke’s head. Trevor Story followed with an RBI triple that got the Rockies on the board and knocked Gaudin out of the game after a visit on the mound from trainer Stan Conte and manager Don Mattingly.

It was later reported Gaudin was lifted due to feeling a tweak in his biceps and it was decided he not continue pitching out of precaution. Sergio Santos entered in relief and allowed another run before getting out of the inning.

A.J. Ellis began the fourth with a single to left and advanced to second on another Chacin wild pitch. After walking Dickson, Chacin was replaced by Chad Bettis. Despite the two baserunners, the Dodgers couldn’t score as Jimmy Rollins hit into a double play and Crawford struck out.

Mike Adams took over for the Dodgers in the bottom of the fourth and hit the first batter he faced. Later in the inning, he gave up a two-run single that tied the game. Bettis stayed on the mound for the Rockies during the fifth.

CONTINUE READING: Dodgers Bullpen Falters As Offense Is Quieted

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