Dodgers spring training 2013: Adrian Gonzalez, Hyun-jin Ryu shine in win over Brewers

The Dodgers got major contributions from three left-handers on Sunday, and welcomed back a fourth, as they left behind the Brewers 11-1 in split squad action at Camelback Ranch.

Adrian Gonzalez hit a pair of home runs, his first two of the Cactus League (he did hit one against R.A. Dickey in the World Baseball Classic), and both were to left field.

"Adrian is feeling better. It's more that he's going opposite field, with carry. I know he and Mark (McGwire, hitting coach) have been working on some stuff. Today was the best BP I've seen him take," said manager Don Mattingly. "Hopefully things will start tumbling, and he'll click a little bit."

Gonzalez drove in six runs in his three plate appearances, which also included a sacrifice fly. Two of those runs were scored by Andre Ethier, who had three hits. Two of those hits were doubles, also to the opposite field.

On the mound, southpaw Hyun-jin Ryu had his best start of the spring so far, as he allowed just one run in 5⅔ innings, and retired the final 11 men he faced. He struck out six and allowed just five to reach base.

"He was good today. He did a great job of mixing his pitches," said catcher A.J. Ellis. "He breaking pitches have really developed throughout this spring training camp. They have been the key to his success today and in his last few starts."

Mattingly agreed.

"He just continues to throw strikes. He gets the ball on both sides of the plate and changes speeds," Mattingly said. "We hit 90 pitches today, and he didn't seem to be fading any. Last time it was the same too. He held his stuff."

The Dodgers welcomed back another left-hander to their lineup on Sunday, as Carl Crawford made his Dodgers debut. Crawford was 0-for-3 as the designated hitter, but his presence was felt.

"It was a great lift for us as a team. We all see how hard he works. He's never at his locker, because he's either in the batting cage, or the weight room, or somewhere working," Ellis said. "He's a great example of what it means to be a true professional and take your job seriously."

With just 15 days until opening day, Crawford is trying to maximize his chances of being ready on Apr. 1, a goal he still thinks is attainable.

"He doesn't just go through the motions. You can tell he's focused," Mattingly said. "It's really what you put into the at-bats. When you know you're going to have all spring you're going to take your time and get into your flow. Carl knows he doesn't have that much time, so he's going to lock down his at-bats."

Notes

• The plan for Zack Greinke hasn't yet been revealed, mostly because it could change depending on how the pitcher feels on Monday morning, after his Sunday bullpen session. "Tomorrow morning will give a better indication of what our next step is, as long as overnight he doesn't flare up or is sore," said Mattingly.
  
• Mark Ellis had a solid day in his own right, with two singles, a home run and a walk in his four plate appearances, and he scored three runs.
• Kevin Gregg struck out two of the five batters he faced and allowed just one hit. So far this spring he has pitched seven scoreless innings, with four strikeouts, no walks, and two hits allowed.

Up next

The Dodgers host the Diamondbacks on Monday afternoon at Camelback Ranch, with Josh Beckett on the hill. Randall Delgado starts for Arizona.