Los Angeles Dodgers owner Magic Johnson was on the mound, ready to throw out the first pitch but in a unique fashion manager Don Mattingly signaled to the dugout when the all-time great Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax surprised the crowd as he came out to do the honors of the first pitch on Opening Day.
The day started off baseball season for the two heavyweights of the National League West division. The game took place earlier this afternoon with a dominating performance by Dodgers‘ ace Clayton Kershaw that led to victory over the San Francisco Giants of 4-0.
Kershaw kept the usually potent Giants lineup in check all afternoon, by allowing only a mere four hits while compiling seven strikeouts in his complete game shutout performance.
Not only his pitching prowess made the five-year veteran a standout in today’s game. Kershaw hits a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth to break a 0-0 tie.
Los Angeles then proceeded to open up the contest and eventually defeated the defending-champion Giants with RBI’s from center fielder Matt Kemp, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, and third baseman Luis Cruz.
The series continues tomorrow at 7:10 PM PT when highly-touted rookie Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his MLB debut for the Dodgers as he faces off against Madison Bumgarner.