THE GAME: Freddie Freeman followed an RBI double from Mookie Betts in the second inning with a two-run single and the Dodgers went on to a 9-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.
PITCHING REPORT: In his second start of the spring, left-hander Ryan Yarbrough did not give up a hit over 1⅔ innings and recorded strikeouts with three of his five outs. Right-handers Nabil Crismatt and Gus Varland each gave up home runs, with Colorado’s Kris Bryant connecting off Crismatt.
HITTING REPORT: The presumed top of the order delivered early as Betts and Freeman used their second at-bats of the game to bring home a combined three runs. Freeman also walked in the first inning before both departed early. The Dodgers turned six hits into five runs in the eighth inning to break a 4-4 tie as Ryan Ward and Hunter Feduccia each had an RBI double.
DE-LUX DAY: Gavin Lux was at ease in his first game at shortstop in more than a year, while also delivering at the plate with an RBI single in three at-bats. Lux missed all of last season after a knee injury at spring training and his two appearances earlier this spring were as a hitter only. “I think that the more repetitions he takes, the more comfortable he’ll be with the knee,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “… I think for me it’s just getting him out there, freeing up the mind and trusting that with the rehab, the strength is there.”
WINNING WAYS: The Dodgers are the only unbeaten team in the major leagues this spring at 4-0-1. They have averaged 7.6 runs scored per game.
UP NEXT: Dodgers (RHP Bobby Miller) vs. White Sox (LHP Garrett Crochet), at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz., Tuesday, 12:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM