Dodgers' Ferrell No-Hits Padres To Wrap Spring Training Tour
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- James Shields struck out five in three perfect innings and Matt Kemp went 0 for 3 in his first game against his former team as the San Diego Padres lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0 on Thursday night.
Shields didn't allow a ball out of the infield in his second spring start with his new team. The right-hander threw a first-pitch strike to all nine hitters, had four consecutive strikeouts and threw only 12 balls in 39 pitches.
"I don't really put too much emphasis on spring training, but I felt a lot better with my delivery today," Shields said. "I felt a lot better with my mechanics and just being aggressive. It was good."
Kemp, traded in December after spending his first eight seasons in Los Angeles, grounded to Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, flied to right and struck out.
Ryu threw two hitless innings in his spring debut for the Dodgers.
Joc Pederson belted a home run off right-hander Jose Valverde that sailed well over actor Will Ferrell's head in the ninth.
Ferrell played right field for the Padres and threw one pitch for the Dodgers to complete his Cactus League tour. Non-roster invitee Rico Noel appeared to intentionally bunt back to the mound, with Ferrell throwing him out at first.
While Ferrell wore No. 19 in his other stops, he was No. 20 for the Padres in honor of Tony Gwynn. The Hall of Famer, who wore No. 19 in San Diego, died last year.
STARTING TIME
Dodgers: Ryu's first spring start had been delayed as he recovered from a back injury. He was slowed by a shoulder injury last season.
"My health is good," Ryu said through a translator. "I'm very confident I'm ready."
Padres: Shields stayed in the dugout after his outing, unheard of in spring training. The reason: He was waiting for Ferrell, who arrived in the seventh.
"This is a pretty cool deal out here," Shields said. "It's a good cause and this doesn't happen often."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Dodgers: Right-hander Mike Adams, working his way back from multiple injuries, threw a batting practice session this week and could make his spring debut Saturday. Adams signed a minor league deal earlier this month.
Padres: C Tim Federowicz, also acquired from the Dodgers in the Kemp trade, had his surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee pushed back a day until Friday morning. ... Third base coach Glenn Hoffman had knee surgery Thursday. He's expected back in Arizona to watch Friday's workout.
KEMP'S EMOTIONS
Kemp has said he thought he'd finish his career with the Dodgers. He called facing his ex-club "exciting."
"It's spring training and I'm working on things," Kemp said. "But getting to face my former team is fun."
Ryu said it was odd pitching to Kemp in the first.
"Yes, it was very unique," Ryu said. "Who would've thought that I would experience something like this?"
JUST ANOTHER WIL(L)
Ferrell added to the confusion in the Padres clubhouse this season. He became the fifth player named Will or Wil to suit up.
There's outfielder Wil Myers and catcher Wil Nieves. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks and outfielder Will Venable spell their name the same way as Ferrell.
And then there's bullpen coach Willie Blair.
"It's going to be real confusing, because when I yell, `Will,' six guys are going to look at me," manager Bud Black said.
Black then turned from the media and yelled, "Hey, Will!" to no one in particular.
Of course, there may be other options for Ferrell.
"Should I call him Will?" Black asked. "Ron Burgundy? Ricky Bobby?"
GONZALEZ BUNTS
Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez faced a familiar infield shift in the second inning, with three infielders on the right side. The slugger tried to beat it by pushing a bunt down the third base side. But an alert Shields jumped off the mound and threw a one-hopper to first that was dug out by first baseman Yonder Alonso.
UP NEXT
Dodgers: RHP Brandon McCarthy starts Friday against Cincinnati.
Padres: RHP Tyson Ross starts Friday against the Los Angeles Angels.
