Roger Arrieta
via Dodgers photo via Jon SooHoo
TEXAS TWO-STEP: The Dodgers, in the midst of playing five games in three days, take on the Rangers today for the first of their two Cactus League meetings this spring. The two clubs have not faced off in the regular season since 2009 and the Dodgers hold an 11-8 advantage in the all-time series. Today’s starter, Chad Billingsley, has made just one start in his career against Texas and picked up the win on June 14, 2009 in Arlington, allowing three runs (two earned) in 7.0 innings in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win.
In addition, RHP Josh Beckett pitched in a minor league game on the backfields today.
Dodger legends Ron Cey and Tommy Davis will arrive tomorrow and spend a few days in camp working with the squad.
MIXED RETURNS: The Dodgers had mixed results in their two games yesterday with a split-squad defeating Team Mexico, 10-2, in a World Baseball Classic exhibition and another squad falling 4-0 to the Indians in Goodyear in Cactus League play. The results from the exhibition game against Mexico will not count towards the team’s or players’ cumulative statistics.
In Goodyear, Hyun-Jin Ryu was dominant through his first 3.0 innings, but reached his pitch limit after allowing the first two batters of the fourth inning to reach base (both eventually scored). Ryu struck out five, including all three batters in the third inning with called third strikes. At the plate, the Dodgers managed just five hits with two coming off the bat of Jeremy Moore, who is batting .467 this spring.
The Dodgers scored 10 runs on 12 hits, including a two-run, first-inning homer by Andre Ethier, as they cruised to a 10-2 win over Team Mexico at Camelback Ranch. Dee Gordon went 2-for-2 with two steals, two runs scored and an RBI and though he was held hitless, Matt Kemp knocked in a pair in the win. On the mound, Stephen Fife picked up the win with 4.0 innings of one-run ball, while Brandon League, Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell each tossed an inning of scoreless relief.
Los Angeles continues to lead the NL with a .302 team batting average and a .385 on-base percentage. Yasiel Puig ranks ninth among NL qualifiers with a .391 batting average, while Jeremy Moore is tied for the NL lead with four doubles.
SIMPLY CLASSIC: All five Dodgers participating in this year’s World Baseball Classic will see action today as Italy (Nick Punto) takes on Mexico (Luis Cruz, Adrian Gonzalez) at 1:00 p.m. at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale and Venezuela (Ronald Belisario) faces off against the Dominican Republic (Hanley Ramirez) at 4:30 pm in San Juan, Puerto Rico. All games of this year’s WBC can be viewed on MLB Network.
Javy Guerra returned to the Dodgers yesterday from Team Mexico. His offseason surgery prevented him from being eligible for the World Baseball Classic. He will continue to pitch for the Dodgers without restriction.
OPEN SESAME: The Dodgers ticket sales department will host another Open House this Sunday, March 10, where fans interested in purchasing a mini plan or season tickets can stop by Dodger Stadium from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Complete details on this event can be found by visiting www.dodgers.com/openhouse. Dodger season tickets start at just $6 per game.
HILLTOPPERS: RHP Chad Billingsley will make his third appearance (second start) of the spring today after allowing three runs on five hits in 2.1 innings and taking the loss in relief on Saturday against the Mariners.
RHP Mark Lowe has yet to allow an earned run (one unearned) in 3.0 innings in three appearances this spring. Lowe last pitched on Sunday against the Indians, walking one and striking out one in 1.0 inning.
RHP Peter Moylan allowed two runs in 0.2 innings in his first outing of the spring, but since then has fired 2.0 scoreless frames in two appearances. Moylan has six strikeouts in his 2.2 innings this spring, including two Ks in his last outing on Sunday against the Indians.
RHP Josh Wall has yet to allow a baserunner and struck out five in 3.1 innings during his three Cactus League appearances. Wall last pitched on Sunday against Cleveland and struck out one in a 1-2-3 inning.
CAMERA READY: Tomorrow, Javy Guerra (@JavyGuerra54) will take over the Dodgers Official Instagram account (@Dodgers) capturing a “Day in the Life” of a big league ballplayer.
[retweet]
