The Los Angeles Dodgers were worst in the Majors last season in several categories against left-handed pitching, and they found themselves in a familiar position Tuesday night, struggling against San Diego Padres starter Clayton Richard.
The Dodgers grounded into three double plays in four innings, which prevented them from cutting into the Padres’ lead. Not only did Kenta Maeda labor through the first inning, it was tough sledding for much of the night.
He did catch a break in the second inning when an Erick Aybar leadoff double was followed by sacrifice bunt and a failed squeeze play, as Travis Jankowski popped up his bunt attempt, resulting in a double play.