As expected, it was a formidable ‘big three’.
The LA Dodgers’ lineup, which leads to Mookie Betts, Otani Shohei and Freddie Freeman, fired up in the mainland opener.
The Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 in the 2024 Major League home opener at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on the 29th (Korea time).
The “MVP Big 3” performed very well by scoring five hits (one homer), four RBIs, four walks and six runs from eight times at bat on the day. Betts had one hit, three runs and two walks from two times at bat, Ohtani had two hits and one walk from three times at bat, and Freeman had two hits (one homer) three RBIs and one walk from three times at bat.
Their bats started spinning vigorously from the first inning. When Betts got a walk, Ohtani hit a double and Freeman easily scored the first run with a timely hit. Then, Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly made it 2-0.
Then in the third inning, Betts hit a solo shot. When Ohtani got a walk, Freeman hit a two-run shot. The score was 5-0.
In the seventh inning with a 6-1 lead, Betts walked again and Ohtani struck out, but Freeman walked to get on base. Then Muncy’s sacrifice hit sent Betts home. 룸알바
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow pitched well, allowing two hits (one homer) and striking out five in six innings, and became the winning pitcher. Ryan Yarbrough allowed one hit and no run in three innings, and made the save.
St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas became a losing pitcher in 4.1 innings, losing seven hits, including two home runs, and allowing five runs.
Mikolas has strongly criticized the Dodgers’ “money-taking.”