Steve Webb
Dodgers finally look like Dodgers in final Spring Training game
LOS ANGELES — Now, THAT is more like it! After putting Dodger fans through a a dozen lackluster performances this spring, the Dodgers finally seemed to have everything working tonight in a 5-0 victory over the Angels. In the final tune-up before Opening Day on Friday, the Dodgers got on the board early and rode some timely hitting at the top of the order, plus a Chris Taylor two-run jack in the bottom of the seventh to a comfortable win over the Halos.
And while all that is well and good (and much needed), the highlight of the evening was the thrilling debut of Dodger prospect Bobby Miller. Getting his first taste of the big leagues, Miller pitched three electrifying scoreless innings to open the game. And, he didn’t waste any time nibbling at the strike zone. His first inning was magical. First, no big whoop, he struck out the reigning AL MVP, Shohei Ohtani. Got him looking on three beautifully placed four seamers, each clocking in at over 100 mph. Then, after a ground-out and a fly ball to left, Miller headed for the the dugout with a 1-2-3 inning under his belt.
The rest of the way, Miller gave up one hit, and was a little erratic with his control, but other than that, he was on point. 55 pitches. 29 for strikes. Very impressive. Straight up gas from the kid on his 23rd birthday. Of course, Miller is not ready for the big league roster yet, but Roberts said that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Miller did make his MLB debut at some point during the regular season.
Speaking after the game, Miller pointed to the K of Ohtani as a big moment for him. He said he “almost blacked out a little bit” after the Japanese slugger watched strike three go by. “Probably the highlight of my career right there,.” he concluded.
Cans of Corn…
- Mookie Betts looked good, notching a couple of hits and making solid contact in his final game. He seems to be shaking off a very rocky start to the spring.
- Tommy Kahnle made an appearance and looked very nice, throwing a scoreless inning and landing 15 of 18 pitches for strikes.
- Craig Kimbrel pitched a dominant ninth inning and looked much more at home in Dodger Blue. Hopefully, the little first game hiccup will be forgotten by this time next week.
- Cody Bellinger isn’t exactly barreling up the ball quite yet, but he is whiffing a lot less. He’s not there right now, but I take him at his word when he says he’s close.
Overall, a very solid performance. Hopefully the team has worked up a head of steam to take them into Colorado. The 2022 campaign gets underway on Friday, with a 1 pm start in Denver against the Rockies. Walker Buehler vs. Kyle Freeland…
Let’s do this thing….
