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GLENDALE -- The Dodgers — well, 30 of them, anyway — got on a plane for Sydney on Sunday night. But before they left they played their 21st Cactus League game in 19 days, a 3-3 tie with the Rockies in Camelback Ranch.
The club finished the Arizona portion of their spring training schedule at 6-10-5, matching 2006 for the most spring ties in L.A. Dodger franchise history. It may in fact be the overall franchise record; the Dodgers only have spring records dating back to 1958, but there were no ties before 1980. So either they had an incredibly rare coincidence of no ties in 22 years or they used to play like men and didn't stop until a victor was decided.
The 2006 team was 15-13-5, with 12 more games played than this year's squad. Technically the Dodgers still have four spring training games left — the exhibition with Team Australia on Thursday plus the Freeway Series against the Angels from March 27-29 — so there is still time to break the record, but it seems like the ties record is more fit to be tied.
Hyun-Jin Ryu was solid in his final tuneup for Australia, allowing two runs, one earned, on seven hits in his 5⅓ innings, with no walks and three strikeouts. He put up a 2.20 ERA in his four spring starts with 10 strikeouts and three walks and led the team with 16⅓ innings.
While the 36 days of camp at Camelback Ranch seemed long, the Dodgers still do have a season to play, which begins in a mere five days. Asked if he was glad to leave camp, Ryu gave the perfect answer.
"We have a long journey ahead of us," he said.
Up next
The Dodgers don't play until Thursday against Team Australia. Zach Lee or Red Patterson will start that game, with both likely to pitch in that contest. But many players remained back in Arizona and will be playing in minor league games, including Matt Kemp and likely Zack Greinke on Monday.
Sunday particulars
Home run: Nolan Arenado (2)
WP: none
LP: none