Since moving to Los Angeles, the Dodgers have opened their season nine previous times against the Giants. Today is the 10th opening day tilt between the two teams since 1958, and seventh at Dodger Stadium. Here's a look back to the previous nine opening day encounters:
March 31, 2008 -- Dodgers 5, Giants 0 (at Dodger Stadium): Brad Penny pitched solidly for 6 2/3 innings, Jeff Kent hit a two-run home run off Barry Zito in the first inning and the Dodgers never looked back.
April 5, 2005 -- Giants 4, Dodgers 2 (at AT&T Park): Derek Lowe and Jason Schmidt both allowed two earned runs in seven innings, but the Giants scored a run in the seventh and one more in the eighth for the opening win. After this loss, the Dodger ripped off 12 wins in 13 games and teased us all with a 12-2 start.
April 2, 2002 -- Giants 9, Dodgers 2 (at Dodger Stadium): The Giants scored five runs in the second inning off Kevin Brown, including one of two Barry Bonds home runs on the day. Eric Gagne, not yet anointed as closer, pitched in mop-up duty in the seventh inning.
April 6, 1992 -- Giants 8, Dodgers 1 (at Dodger Stadium): Ramon Martinez was ineffective, throwing 87 pitches and allowing three runs in his 2 2/3 innings, and the Giants blew the game open with a five-run sixth inning.
April 4, 1988 -- Giants 5, Dodgers 1 (at Dodger Stadium): Fernando Valenzuela made the last of his six opening day starts as a Dodger, but Dave Dravecky was better, pitching a complete game, allowing just one run. The Dodgers haven't had a southpaw start on opening day since this game...until Clayton Kershaw tonight, that is.
April 6, 1982 -- Dodgers 4, Giants 3 (at Dodger Stadium): Dusty Baker delivered a bases-loaded single with one out in the ninth inning off Greg Minton to break a tie, giving the defending World Series champs the win.
April 7, 1977 -- Dodgers 5, Giants 1 (at Dodger Stadium): Don Sutton pitched a complete game, and Ron Cey drove in the first of his 29 runs in April in the win.
April 9, 1976 -- Giants 4, Dodgers 2 (at Candlestick Park): Home runs by Bobby Murcer and Gary Matthews Sr. backed John "The Count" Montefusco, hanging the loss on Sutton.
April 15, 1958 -- Giants 8, Dodgers 0 (at Seals Stadium): In the first game in California for both teams, Don Drysdale got shelled, allowing six runs in 3 2/3 innings. Ruben Gomez threw a six-hit shutout for the Giants.
All in all, the L.A. Dodgers are 3-6 against the Giants on opening day, including 3-3 at Dodger Stadium.