The Dodgers blew out the D-backs for a 10-1 win on Saturday.
Trayce Thompson had an incredible game at the plate. Making his first start of the young season, the outfielder had a three-homer game. He tallied a remarkable eight RBI. With this one game, Thompson leads the major leagues in RBI this season.
“Just got some good pitches to hit and didn’t miss them,” Thompson said about his performance.
Thompson had a great stretch with the Dodgers after being acquired for cash considerations last June. In 74 games, he tallied 28 extra-base hits and posted a .901 OPS. This is his second stint with the Dodgers after Thompson played in Los Angeles for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Last year was the best Thompson has played in his career, and he has begun this regular season on a high note. He struggled in spring outside of the time he played in the World Baseball Classic, so the Dodgers are happy to see him get back to himself at the plate.
“I’ve developed a new three-homer rule,” Dave Roberts said regarding Trayce Thompson’s lineup status for Sunday’s game.
Clayton Kershaw made his first start of 2023. Looking like his vintage self, the Dodgers legend threw six innings with only one run allowed, coming on a solo homer. Kershaw struck out nine while only allowing four hits and zero walks in the outing. He got his first official win of the season and sports a 1.50 ERA through one start.
Another good performance came from designated hitter J.D. Martinez, who went 2-3 and picked up his first home run of the season. He also added a walk to his Saturday stat line. The veteran has posted a .969 OPS while starting in all three games so far this year.
Andre Jackson picked up the three-inning save out of the bullpen. Making his first Opening Day roster, Jackson serves as the long reliever and provided that role in Saturday’s game. He only allowed one hit in his three shutout innings of work. Jackson has a 1.85 ERA through his first eight career major league appearances.
A day off for the rest of the bullpen means everyone should be available (aside from Jackson) for Sunday’s series finale. The Dodgers will be looking to take three out of four to begin the year, and the D-backs will try to split the opening series. The pitching matchup will be Noah Syndergaard against Zach Davies, with a 1:10 PM first pitch time.
