The Los Angeles Dodgers returned to Dodger Stadium for the start of a five-game homestand, beginning with a matchup against the Oakland Athletics for their first Interleague series of the season.
Hyun-Jin Ryu took the mound on seven days’ rest for his second start of the year, but much of the talk centered around an offense that had yet to get going. Among the culprits were Corey Seager and Matt Kemp, though top to bottom, the lineup left plenty to be desired.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was critical of his team’s approach and their lack of patience when batting with runners in scoring position. They didn’t complete solve those issues, but there were signs of life in the series opener against the A’s.
Chris Taylor and Seager combined for back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first inning off left-hander Sean Manaea.
One-two punch. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/pVK3Uj6E9t
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 11, 2018
Taylor’s solo shot was the first homer hit by a Dodgers outfielder this season, and for Seager it was his first extra-base hit of 2018.
The Dodgers then went quiet until the sixth inning, when Matt Kemp hit a 1-0 pitch to the opposite field for his first home run of the season.
A familiar feeling. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/ferlNEHwzv
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 11, 2018
Logan Forsythe added an RBI double in the same inning, and Los Angeles went on for a 4-0 win. Kenley Jansen earned his second save of the season, but still was saddled by inconsistent velocity.
The Dodgers extended their home winning streak against American League opponents to 10 games. The shutout victory was the team’s third of the season.
