Dodgers offense struggles in loss to Rangers

The Dodgers struggled to capitalize with runners on base in their 3-1 loss to the Rangers at Surprise Stadium.

Dodgers offense

Second baseman Brad Miller saved the Dodgers from being shut out with his solo home run in the seventh inning. This would be the only run scored against Texas.

Miller’s performance on Monday night has continued the conversation of whether he will make the 25-man roster on Opening Day or begin the season in Triple-A.

The Dodgers top hitter of the night was Justin Turner, who went 3-for-3 with two base hits and a double. With today’s outing, Turner’s spring training batting average rose to .483.

Although the Dodgers notched eight hits, they could not drive in runs - leaving 12 men on base and going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

The pitching

Ross Stripling was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers. He gave up five hits and two earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings pitched.

Stripling held the Rangers scoreless through the first four innings. The fifth got a bit out of his control, when Delino DeShields hit a leadoff single followed by Jeff Mathis reaching base on a walk. DeShields and Mathis would go on to score for the Rangers.

Despite his outing, Stripling will begin the regular season as a starter for the Dodgers, head coach Dave Roberts said after the game.

Kevin Quackenbush allowed back-to-back base hits in the seventh inning, leading to the Rangers third and final run.

Scott Alexander and Louis Head each pitched a scoreless inning for the Dodgers.

Dodgers news

• Dave Roberts says Walker Buehler will not make the Opening Day start
• Corey Seager will play in a major-league game on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs

Look ahead

The Dodgers will make their way back to Camelback Ranch to face the Chicago Cubs at 7:05 pm PDT. Walker Buehler will get the start on the mound for the Dodgers. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA.