The analysis of the 2024 MLB Opening Game in Korea between the Dodgers and the Padres has covered the performances of the starting and relief pitchers. This article will delve into the teams’ batting and offensive strategies, defensive performances and adjustments, and examine the crucial top of the eighth inning. It will also explore why the pitchers struggled with control and provide a summary.

4️⃣ Batting Performance & Offensive Strategy

Both teams struggled offensively in this game. Neither team managed to hit with much power (Dodgers 37.5%, Padres 31.0%), and all 11 hits were singles, which was a disappointing aspect of their performance.

(Dodgers’ Lineup)

The Dodgers had many opportunities with runners in scoring position but did not capitalize effectively (2-14 in scoring positions). Both hits in scoring positions occurred in the eighth inning, delivered by Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani.

Dodgers’ starting lineup performance:
1 SS Mookie Betts / 2-4, 1 RBI, 1BB
2 DH Shohei Ohtani / 2-5, 1 RBI
3 1B Freddie Freeman / 0-2, 1 HBP, 2 BB, 1 K
4 C Will Smith / 1-4, 1 BB, 1 K
5 3B Max Muncy / 1-3, 2 BB, 2 K
6 LF Teoscar Hernandez / 1-5, 2 K
(Played right field later)
7 CF James Outman / 0-3, 2 BB
8 RF Jason Heyward / 0-1, 1 RBI
9 2B Gavin Lux / 0-5

Performance of the Dodgers’ pinch hitters:
(PH) 8 Kike Hernandez / 0-1, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K
(Played left field later)

The Dodgers’ seven hits were mostly from the top of the lineup, with Betts and Ohtani each having two hits. The lack of hits from the 7-9 spots (10 at-bats with no hits) was unfortunate, although they made solid contact.

(Padres’ Lineup)

The Padres also had a tough day at the plate. Despite drawing four walks from Dodgers’ starter Tyler Glasnow and scoring in the third and fourth innings, they struggled against the Dodgers’ bullpen, which limited their opportunities.

Padres’ starting lineup performance:
1 2B Xander Bogaerts / 2-4, 1 RBI
2 RF Fernando Tatis Jr / 0-4, 1 K
3 1B Jake Cronenworth / 0-4, 2 K
4 DH Manny Machado / 0-3, 1 BB
5 SS Ha-Seong Kim / 0-3, 1 BB
6 LF Jurickson Profar / 1-2, 1 BB, 1 K
7 C Luis Campusano / 0-4
8 3B Tyler Wade / 1 BB, 1 K
9 CF Jackson Merrill / 0-3

Performance of the Padres’ substitutes:
6 (LF) Jose Azocar (No at-bats)
Took over left field defense in the 8th inning
6 (PH) Graham Pauley / 0-1, 1 K

Xander Bogaerts was the best hitter for the Padres, with 2 of the team’s 4 hits and an RBI single in the third inning. The top half of the lineup struggled, with only Bogaerts providing hits among the first five batters.

5️⃣ Defensive Performance & Adjustments

(Padres’ Defense)

The Padres’ defense was not at its best, committing two errors that contributed to the Dodgers’ runs. The key defensive mishaps included a handling error by first baseman Jake Cronenworth and a throwing error by third baseman Tyler Wade.

(Dodgers’ Defense)

The Dodgers’ defense was notably better. Mookie Betts, playing as the main shortstop for the first time this season, performed well, handling all his chances smoothly. This game also suggested that Shohei Ohtani might play outfield by the end of the season.

(Defensive Adjustments)

Both teams maintained standard defensive alignments, adapting to the characteristics of opposing hitters. Notably, the Padres adjusted their third baseman to play closer to shortstop, a move aimed at capturing potential double plays.

6️⃣ Crucial Top of the Eighth Inning

The Dodgers’ rally in the eighth inning was pivotal, turning a close game into a 5-2 lead. This inning highlighted the Padres’ pitching challenges and the Dodgers’ resilience, capitalizing on Padres’ errors and walks to take control of the game.

7️⃣ Reasons for Pitchers’ Control Issues

Pitchers on both teams struggled with control, possibly due to nerves from

playing in the significant international opener and the earlier start to the season. Additionally, the long travel and time difference between Korea and California may have impacted their performance, along with a stricter pitching clock leading to several violations.

8️⃣ Summary

This game, significant as the first MLB game in South Korea, was marked by less-than-ideal performances from both teams, influenced by jet lag and early season jitters. However, it served as a historic and expansive move for MLB’s global reach, offering a unique experience for Korean fans to see top MLB talent on their soil.

The next game will continue with the Padres and Dodgers, featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MLB regular-season debut against Joe Musgrove.

Sources:
Baseball Savant
Fangraphs
MLB Official Website
Sports Illustrated