Game Overview
In the final exhibition before the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were defeated by the Hanshin Tigers with a 3-0 score. The game served as a crucial tune-up, setting the stage for the upcoming season’s challenges.
Blake Snell’s Performance
Blake Snell, the recent addition to the Dodgers and a two-time Cy Young winner, pitched for 4 1/3 innings. During his outing, he allowed three earned runs on three hits while issuing two walks and recording seven strikeouts. Despite the solid strikeout performance, a three-run home run proved costly, ultimately defining the result of the game. Snell managed his pitch count effectively, delivering a total of 80 pitches, with 50 of those being strikes.
Pitcher Profile and Future Outlook
At 32 years old, Snell brings extensive experience from his nine-year tenure with previous teams. His career accomplishments include an All-Star Game selection and two Cy Young Awards. Known for his mid-90s fastball and a devastating curveball, he remains a valuable asset to the Dodgers’ rotation. However, his tendency to rack up high pitch counts and a propensity for walks were evident even during a showcase performance. In light of his workload during the exhibition, his participation is not expected in the upcoming mid-week contests against the Chicago Cubs. Instead, he is scheduled as the Opening Day starter on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers.