The Los Angeles Dodgers handed the Arizona Diamondbacks a 4-1 loss at Camelback Ranch on Tuesday in spring training play. Despite Jordan Lawlar's 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI effort at the plate, the Diamondbacks could not pull even when it mattered. Brandon Pfaadt worked 2.2 innings on the mound, allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits. The Dodgers out-hit the Diamondbacks 7-5 on the day. The loss is a minor bump as the Diamondbacks continue fine-tuning ahead of Opening Day. The exhibition season is about preparation, and today provided the kind of reps the coaching staff needs to see.
Key Performers
Jordan Lawlar was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. His power was on full display throughout the game. The Diamondbacks will be hoping for more of the same as the spring continues.
Luken Baker added to the attack, going 2-for-3, Tim Tawa provided support, going 1-for-4 with a double, and LuJames Groover also contributed, going 1-for-3. The Diamondbacks showed flashes of offense but could not piece together the big inning they needed.
On the other side of the diamond, Freddie Freeman led the Dodgers offense with a 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI day. Eliezer Alfonzo also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Mookie Betts added a 2-for-3 effort as well. The Dodgers offense proved to be too much for the Diamondbacks pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Brandon Pfaadt got the start, running into trouble, working 2.2 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits with four strikeouts. He threw 42 pitches in the outing. The coaching staff will review his performance as they continue mapping out the pitching plan for the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 5.1 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out five. The Diamondbacks continue to sort through their relief options as they build their Opening Day bullpen. Every inning pitched in the spring is an opportunity for pitchers to make their case for a spot on the roster when the games start counting. Chris Campos recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Joe Ross stood out with 2.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out one. It was an impressive showing that could factor into roster decisions.
How It Happened
The Diamondbacks struck first, plating a run in the first inning. Dodgers responded with a run in the first. Dodgers pushed across two runs in the fourth. Dodgers plated a run in the sixth. The Dodgers were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Dodgers out-hit the Diamondbacks 7-5, with 3 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 8,636 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
Despite the result, the Diamondbacks will take the lessons learned from this game and move forward. Spring training is about preparation and evaluation, not wins and losses, and the coaching staff gained valuable information about the roster today. There is still time to make adjustments before the regular season begins, and games like this one are part of that process.