Padres Postgame: Cactus League Debut Ends in Rout at Dodgers' Hands

The long-awaited exhibition season opener ends before it can even begin.

The San Diego Padres allowed eight runs in the top of the first inning Thursday and never caught up to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 14-1 loss before an announced crowd of 8,677 at the Peoria Sports Complex.

Starter Joe Musgrove did not record an out while allowing a walk, single, hit batter and a double before Carter Loewen relieved him. The Dodgers led 2-0 at that point and would score six more runs before the inning was over. 

Loewen didn't fare much better and minor league pitcher Gabe Mosser, the Padres' third pitcher of the inning, was needed to record the final two outs.

In the sixth inning, minor league right-hander Moises Lugo allowed six more runs without recording an out, capping the scoring.

San Diego got its only run on a solo home run by Jake Cronenworth against Dodgers left-hander Alex Vesia in the fourth inning, while six other players collected one hit apiece.

Here are some of the key highlights from the game:

Yuki Matsui strikes out the side in his #SpringTraining debut. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wOMuTO8wdP

— MLB (@MLB) February 22, 2024

The @Padres are giving SS Jackson Merrill some reps in the outfield this spring, and MLB's No. 12 overall prospect already looks right at home! pic.twitter.com/O68BUdMK6H

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 22, 2024

It was a good day for Matsui and few others in brown and yellow — especially Tatis, who endured the longest in-game interview ever with ESPN. His face could hardly hide it.

At least the Padres won't have to wait long to get their revenge: The two teams play again Friday at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. That game also begins at 12:08 PT.