Justin Turner grand slam pushes Dodgers past Rangers, 5-4
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hits during a spring training baseball game against the Mariners on March 21.
Reporting from PHOENIX — AT THE PLATE: Justin Turner hit a grand slam to power the Dodgers again. He is hitting .600 in the Cactus League, with eight runs batted in.
“Offensively, defensively, he’s just consistent,” Manager Dave Roberts said.
Charlie Culberson ended the game with a walkoff single to drive in Austin Barnes.
ON THE MOUND: Alex Wood felt encouraged despite giving up four runs on two home runs. Wood struck out six in five innings. His excitement derived from the efficiency of his delivery.
“I thought tonight was probably the best I’ve felt since probably 2014,” Wood said. “I thought all my pitches, my command, I thought it was really, really good. I’m really, really excited that that was my second-to-last start before we get going. I feel really, really confident.”
Wood has a 6.43 earned-run average.
EXTRA BASES: Enrique Hernandez nearly made a triumphant return to the lineup, until the umpires intervened. His two-run home run in the third inning was overturned by a review when the ball was ruled foul. Hernandez (ribcage contusion) and Yasiel Puig (hamstring tightness) returned to the lineup after time off to treat the injuries. Puig indicated he felt fine after the game. ... Left-handed reliever Adam Liberatore was optioned to the minors.
UP NEXT: San Diego on Tuesday at 1:05 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex. On the air: SportsNet LA.
Are you a true-blue fan?
Get our Dodgers Dugout newsletter for insights, news and much more.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
