Daily Clips

April 16, 2017

LOS ANGELES DODGERS DAILY CLIPS SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2017

DODGERS.COM: Here's to you, Mr. Robinson: Puig caps LA's win- Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick Dodgers unveil Robinson statue at stadium— Chad Thornburg Wood steps up in 3 1/3 innings of hitless relief— Ken Gurnick Listen to Vin Scully tell one of his very favorite stories about Jackie Robinson and the No. 42- Andrew Mearns Hill to be activated from DL to face D-backs- Steve Gilbert Dodgers celebrate, appreciate Jackie's impact- Richard Justice Forsythe exits with right hamstring tightness- Ken Gurnick Buehler racks up K's for Quakes- Andrew Simon LA TIMES: Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks despite another rough start for Kenta Maeda- Mike DiGiovanna Statue of Jackie Robinson unveiled at Dodger Stadium- Bill Shaikin and Mike DiGiovanna OC REGISTER: Kenta Maeda struggles again, but Yasiel Puig and Dodgers’ bats stay hot in win over Arizona—Rich Hammond Jackie Robinson’s legacy includes Dodgers manager Dave Roberts- Rich Hammond On deck: Diamondbacks at Dodgers, Sunday, 1 p.m.- Rich Hammond ESPN: Dodgers again find inspiration on Jackie Robinson Day- Doug Padilla Puig hits 3-run HR to help Dodgers beat Diamondbacks 8-4- AP Jackie Robinson statue unveiled at Dodger Stadium– Doug Padilla TRUE BLUE LA: Dodgers utilizing position player depth- Eric Stephen Walker Buehler strikes out 8 in a row- Craig Minami Yasiel Puig’s big night lifts Dodgers over Diamondbacks—Eric Stephen Logan Forsythe leaves game with right hamstring tightness- Eric Stephen Watch the Jackie Robinson statue get unveiled at Dodger Stadium- Eric Stephen DODGERS INSIDER: Puig’s power, Hernández’s versatility pay off in 8–4 win- Rowan Kavner Roberts reflects on Jackie Robinson Day- Rowan Kavner A symbol of courage and determination: Jackie Robinson statue unveiled—Rowan Kavner DODGERS PHOTOG BLOG: 4/13/17-Something Current-LAD-0,CHC-4 at Wrigley Field by Jon SooHoo/©LA Dodgers- Jon SooHoo 4/14/17-Something Current-AZ-1,LAD-7 at Dodger Stadium by Jon SooHoo and Jill Weisleder/©Los Angeles Dodgers,LLC 2017- Jon Soo Hoo CBS SPORTS: LOOK: Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson statue as baseball, Twitter honor icon- Dayn Perry FOX SPORTS: Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson statue on 70th anniversary of MLB debut- Barry Werner NBC LA: Dodgers Defeat D-Backs, 8-4, on Jackie Robinson Day— Michael Duarte Dodgers Unveil Jackie Robinson Statue- Michael Duarte UPI.COM Los Angeles Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson statue on 70th anniversary of debut- The Sports Xchange

LOS ANGELES DODGERS DAILY CLIPS

SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2017

DODGERS.COM

Here's to you, Mr. Robinson: Puig caps LA's win By Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick LOS ANGELES -- Yasiel Puig homered and had four RBIs and Alex Wood pitched 3 1/3 innings of hitless relief on Saturday night as the Dodgers beat the D-backs on Jackie Robinson Day, 8-4, despite four RBIs from Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed. "When we put that uniform No. 42 on, it's special for all of us," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Puig's three-run homer in the eighth inning had a 108.1-mph exit velocity, his fifth-hardest homer of the Statcast™era. Two of his top five have come this season. "I wasn't sure that it was a home run so there was no reason for a bat flip," said Puig, who watched the ball at the plate until he was sure it was fair. Wood, coming off a five-walk spot start in Chicago, got the win and Kenley Jansen secured a four-out save. The Dodgers enjoyed immediate success against Arizona lefty Patrick Corbin with a pair of runs in the first inning, but Dodgers starter Kenta Maeda gave the lead right back by serving up a three-run homer to Ahmed in the second inning that had a hit probability of only 36 percent, according to Statcast™. Austin Barnes barreled his first Major League homer in the bottom of the second off the foul pole, tying the game at 3. Ahmed singled in his fourth run in the fourth inning, but the Dodgers tied it again in the bottom of the fourth with an unearned run after Ahmed's error. "I thought we didn't make some plays when we should have," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "That's how baseball is. That's what makes it so great. We put ourselves in a position to win the game and a couple of key moments didn't go our way and a couple of plays didn't happen. The beauty of it is we can get after it tomorrow." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Defensive sub: After taking over second base for the injured Logan Forsythe (hamstring), Enrique Hernandez made a tough play throwing across his body to get Daniel Descalso to end the sixth inning. "I was wearing No. 42; Jackie Robinson played second base and I got a little help from him," said Hernandez. In the eighth inning, he made a running pluck from the sky of Brandon Drury's blooper with right fielder Yasiel Puig coming at him, ending the eighth inning and preventing the tying run from scoring.

"If it were me, I would have probably run away from the ball," said Roberts. "Kiké showed he is fearless and it was a huge out in the game." "I'm glad [Puig] went down [sliding], because I wasn't going to back off," said Hernandez. "If he stayed up, it probably would have been ugly for him, because I'm a lot bigger and stronger." Better to be lucky: Hernandez fell for Arizona catcher Chris Herrmann's pump fake to second base on a possible double-steal and was about to be picked off third base, but Herrmann's throw hit Hernandez in the back. By the time shortstop Ahmed retrieved the deflection, Hernandez was headed home with the tie-breaking run. "Catcher gave me a good pump fake, the only way I was going to be safe was to wear it and take one for the team," said Hernandez. "If I slid into third I would have been out, so my best chance was take one off my back and it got away and I was able to score." "I thought the runner at third base was far enough off for him to go ahead and execute the play and throw a strike to third base," Lovullo said. "I feel like we had the right thought, but just poor execution." QUOTABLE "The Dodgers have to win on Jackie Robinson Night." -- Roberts, whose club is 11-3 since MLB instituted the celebration SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS Ahmed's second-inning home run was the 15th of his career, six of which have come against the Dodgers. WHAT'S NEXT D-backs: Taijuan Walker will make his third start of the season Sunday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. MST at Dodger Stadium. Walker is coming off a loss to the Giants in which he allowed three runs (two earned). All three of the runs scored on a bases-loaded dribbler up the first-base line that he misfired toward home. Dodgers: Rich Hill will be activated off the 10-day disabled list to make this 1:10 p.m. PT Sunday start after missing one turn with a recurring middle finger blister. Hill's signature curveball is hard to hit, but it's also hard to throw without tearing up his finger. Dodgers unveil Robinson statue at stadium By Chad Thornburg LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers honored baseball legend Jackie Robinson, MLB's first African-American player, on Saturday with the dedication of the first sculpture at Dodger Stadium. The 800-pound, eight-foot bronze statue -- an image of Robinson stealing home during his rookie season brought to life by sculptor Branly Cadet -- resides in the left field reserve plaza at the Chavez Ravine ballpark, the area through which the highest percentage of fans enter the stadium.

Robinson's wife Rachel and children Sharon and David were in attendance, along with Lakers legend and Dodgers owner Magic Johnson, president and CEO Stan Kasten, Hall of Famer and MLB's first black manager Frank Robinson, as well as Dodgers icons Vin Scully, Tommy Lasorda, Sandy Koufax, Don Newcombe and Jaime Jarrin. "I think it's a very good thing when a society can look back and maintain a respect in honoring a kind of person who represented characteristics for these 70 years," David Robinson said. "And then build a physical statue for all of us to think back on where we've come, where we have to go." Saturday's dedication was held in conjunction with Jackie Robinson Day celebrations throughout the Major Leagues, with every player, coach, manager and umpire donning Robinson's iconic No. 42, which was retired by MLB in 1997. "Some [players] are taller than others, some are heavier than others, some are left-handed, some are right-handed," Scully said. "But the one thing they share in carrying No. 42 is the fact that the man who wore it gave them the one thing that no one at the time could ever have done. He gave them equality, and he gave them opportunity." The Robinson family was also honored during a pregame ceremony and throughout the Dodgers' 6:10 p.m. PT game against the D-backs. The first 40,000 fans in attendance received a replica Robinson statue, and Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars Robert Ballance III and Logan Patton threw out ceremonial first pitches to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and foundation sponsor Andre Ethier. "Jackie paved the way for me," Johnson said. "I couldn't be an owner of the Dodgers without Jackie breaking the color barrier and playing in Major League Baseball when he did for the Brooklyn Dodgers. "This is one of the greatest days in my life to be associated with the Dodgers and to honor an American hero, a guy who deserved to have a statue." Robinson, one of sports' most influential pioneers and activists, broke MLB's color barrier when he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers on this day in 1947. He played 10 seasons in the Majors, all with the Dodgers, winning a World Series in 1955 and earning six consecutive All-Star selections ('49-54), as well as a National League Most Valuable Player Award ('49). Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first appearance on the ballot in 1962, 10 years before his death. Both Robinson children said their father would have wanted to focus the attention not the man he was, but the message of equality he fought for -- a message that still fuels inclusion efforts today. "If it's not important to us, it's just not going to happen. More black kids are not going to be given the same opportunity," Sharon Robinson said. "It has to be that we really believe in being a diverse society and want to be inclusive, and that's just not the direction that we're going in currently. So I think baseball is symbolic of America. We have a lot of work to do." "When we all have equal opportunity, both the game and the society improves," David said.

Sharon attended a dinner Friday evening for MLB and USA Baseball's inaugural Trailblazer Series and addressed the nearly 100 players who participated in the all-girls tournament at the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, Calif. The three-day event culminated in a visit to Dodger Stadium to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day. Eight players representing each of the tournament teams, as well as former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League players Shirley Burkovich and Maybelle Blair, were recognized as part of the pregame ceremony. "They come [to the Trailblazer Series], and for the first time, they have 100 girls that are all doing the same thing they're doing," Sharon said. "Back home, they're different, they're challenged constantly, they're not good enough -- all things that dad and the other Negro Leaguers who advanced into the Majors [went through], these girls are going through. "They had the courage to join that boys team, and to begin to dream that this might happen." Wood steps up in 3 1/3 innings of hitless relief By Ken Gurnick LOS ANGELES -- They don't dedicate bronze statues for swingmen, but on Jackie Robinson Day Alex Wood had a moment to shine. Taking over for a wobbly Kenta Maeda, Wood fired 3 1/3 innings of hitless relief to earn the win Saturday night, as the Dodgers beat the D-backs, 8-4. Making it more improbable is that three hours before he pitched in the game, while the statue of Jackie Robinson was being unveiled in front of MLB elite at Dodger Stadium, Wood was throwing a bullpen session because he hadn't pitched since a Monday start in Chicago and he didn't want to get rusty. "To be honest with you, Alex saved the game tonight," said closer Kenley Jansen, whose four-out save made him only one of many Dodgers heroes on the night devoted to the one and only. "He gave us 3 1/3 innings while it was a one-run game, he was the difference." Until Friday, Wood was preparing to start Sunday's game as he did Monday's, filling in for the injured Rich Hill. But Hill said his blister is healed, he will be activated to make Sunday's start and it was back to the bullpen for Wood. "The battle for me is with the offspeed, but it was coming out for me pretty good," said Wood. "I was happy tonight with the changeup. I haven't really thrown too much. Maybe 5 2/3 in three weeks. I was frustrated with the [five] walks I had on Monday. That's unlike me, so I was glad I righted the ship tonight." Wood was brought in because of another disappointing Maeda start. He allowed four runs in four innings and manager Dave Roberts pinch-hit Scott Van Slyke for Maeda. "The velocity was still good, but there were some misses in there I didn't like seeing," Roberts said of Maeda. "The curve was up and there were misses with secondary pitches I didn't feel good about. Right there, the top of the order coming up, dominant left-handed hitters and Alex Wood with four days' rest,

I felt he could give us three innings and get to the back-end guys for us. My eyes told me it was time for Woody to relieve Kenta." Maeda has a 7.07 ERA in three starts, none longer than five innings. Maeda said this is one of the slowest starts of his career. On the flip side, the offense was able to win its second game this year started by an opposing left-handed pitcher, Patrick Corbin. Austin Barnes slugged his first career home run (and almost missed first base watching it), plus Yasiel Puig slugged his fourth home run, drove in four and reached base safely four times. He's 6-for-12 in his last four games. "The home runs come from the patience, being patient at the plate, selecting the right pitches, and that's reason why I've been having the success that I've had," said Puig. Listen to Vin Scully tell one of his very favorite stories about Jackie Robinson and the No. 42 By Andrew Mearns No baseball figure alive has a closer connection to Jackie Robinson than iconic broadcaster Vin Scully. His stories of their meaningful times together enthralled fans for decades prior to his 2016 retirement, and his voice is still missed from the airwaves. Fortunately, Jackie Robinson Day provided an opportunity for Scully to briefly return to deliver another memorable story about the legend. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Robinson's debut, the Dodgers unveiled a statue of him at Dodger Stadium. Scully was invited to speak and, as seen in the video above, he decided to tell a story that foretold one of MLB's best traditions: that every player would wear number 42 on April 15. It all started with an outfielder named Gene Hermanski, Robinson's teammate dating back to his very debut (Hermanski played left field on that fateful day in 1947). According to Scully, Robinson had already been on the Dodgers for a few years, but he still received hate mail. On one road trip into Cincinnati's Crosley Field, Robinson received a particularly scary death threat. There was a pall over the visitor's locker room as the Dodgers prepared for the game. Scully recalled how, undeterred by the silence, the happy-go-lucky Hermanski spoke up with a solution for the man he admired so much. Hermanski's remark broke the tension, and thankfully, nothing happened that day. Little did Hermanski know that his words were, in a way, prophetic. MLB retired the number 42 across baseball on April 15, 1997, but Mariners star Ken Griffey Jr. quickly inspired a new tradition by requesting to wear Robinson's number on the anniversary of his debut, both in 1997 and 2007. In 2009, MLB formally recognized Robinson by having everyone around baseball don number 42, just as Griffey did. So now, all players wear 42 on April 15, preserving Robinson's tradition, and to a lesser extent, Hermanski's idea. Baseball is truly a better place with Scully keeping these stories alive.

Hill to be activated from DL to face D-backs By Steve Gilbert Left-hander Rich Hill will be activated from the 10-day disabled list and take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday afternoon as they play host to the D-backs in the third game of a four-game set at Dodger Stadium. Hill was placed on the DL after sustaining a blister on his left middle finger during his season-opening start against the Padres on April 5. Blisters were an issue for Hill last season and forced him to miss significant time. Taijuan Walker gets the start for the D-backs. The right-hander is still working to incorporate some mechanical adjustments that he started last season. Three things to know about this game • Walker was shaken up in his last start against the Giants when he hit Buster Posey in the head with a pitch in the first inning. Posey landed on the 7-day concussion DL and Walker admitted to being leery of pitching inside the rest of that game. • Hill was sharp against the Padres in his last start allowing just one run on two hits over five innings. • The Dodgers will need to make a roster move prior to the game in order to activate Hill. Manager Dave Roberts left open the possibility that the team could option a position player rather than a pitcher. Dodgers celebrate, appreciate Jackie's impact By Richard Justice LOS ANGELES -- Jackie Robinson's spirit hovered movingly over a day of emotion and affection at Dodger Stadium. There were teammates and friends gathered to honor his memory and salute his remarkable life. There was a long list of people who said they owed their opportunity to his courage and resolve. Finally, there were the kids, dozens and dozens of them representing the hundreds who have received mentoring and more than $70 million in college financial assistance from Robinson's foundation. Together they painted a collective portrait of a man who changed baseball and the world, continuing to work for social progress until his death at the age of 53 in 1972. "Every advancement in society has come from people standing on the shoulders of giants," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said. "In the history of baseball and our country, few people have stood taller than Jackie Robinson." There's something magical about Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium. His memory burns here like nowhere else. On this Jackie Robinson Day, the 70th anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier, the Dodgers honored him by unveiling the first permanent statue ever at Dodger Stadium.

It's a powerful piece of art, an 800-pound bronze replica of Robinson sliding into a steal of home during his rookie season in 1947. Robinson's widow, Rachel, and his two living children, Sharon and David, joined Hall of Famers Frank Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Vin Scully and others in a ceremony capped by the unveiling of the statue on the left-field reserve plaza at Dodger Stadium. "It's everything I hoped it was going to be," Sharon Robinson said. "It was inspirational and powerful. I feel like Dad's voice is still very much in our lives. We are fulfilling what he asked us in 1963. That is to stay in the struggle and to work as a family on a family mission. We are doing that. "There's lots of work to be done, but we understand that struggle is ongoing. You gain some and then you lose some. You have to remain vigilant." That image of stealing home is symbolic of the start of something and the reminder that the job is not yet finished. Also powerful are Robinson's words embedded along the base of the sculpture: • "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." • "I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me. … All I ask is that you respect me as a human being." • "There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free." Sculptor Branly Cadet, 52, was awarded the project after a process that began with him applying on a Dodgers fan website. To Cadet, the two-and-a-half years spent consulting with the Robinson family and designing and completing the project amounted to a labor of love. "Jackie Robinson occupies a place in two worlds," Cadet said. "Not only is he a great athlete. He's also a very important historical figure in American history. As an African-American, I get to live the life I live as a direct result of people like Jackie Robinson. I felt beholden to him and really wanted to honor his legacy the best I could. My objective was to capture his dynamism on and off the field." Frank Robinson credited Jackie for opening the door for him to play in the Major Leagues and then in pushing Major League Baseball to give a black man an opportunity to manage. Jackie Robinson repeated that goal in his final public appearance a few days before his death in 1972. Two years later, Frank Robinson was hired to manage the Cleveland Indians. "I've thought so many times how much I wished he could have seen it," Robinson said. They met once, that in Spring Training, when Frank Robinson could barely bring himself to speak to a man he admired on so many different levels. "If it hadn't been for him breaking the barrier, I don't know if I'd had a chance [to manage]," Frank Robinson said. "That's something I'll always carry with me. I tried to conduct myself in a way he would have wanted me to carry myself." Dodgers owner Magic Johnson thanked Jackie Robinson, as well. He said Jackie is surely looking down smiling at the idea of a black man being a part owner of his beloved Dodgers. Likewise, manager Dave

Roberts. He said Jackie Robinson is never far from his thoughts, especially on Jackie Robinson Day when he wears No. 42 while managing Robinson's team. Major League Baseball retired Robinson's No. 42 in 1997, but Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. suggested the number be worn once a season -- on Jackie Robinson Day. "He sacrificed so much so that people like me could play this game," Griffey Jr. said in a telephone interview. "I grew up around people who played with him and against him," said Griffey Jr., whose father, Ken Griffey Sr., played 19 seasons in the Majors from 1973-91. "I heard the stories. He's a hero in how he played and how he acted and what he accomplished. He wanted people of color to have a chance to play this game." Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier was so inspired by Robinson's example that he funds three scholarships for the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "I think the statue does an unbelievable job of capturing the emotion and the meaning of Jackie Robinson's life," Ethier said. "I can't wait to come up here during a quiet time and really take it in." The Robinson family was honored by the Dodgers during a pregame ceremony, and the team's executives said they proudly embraced his Dodgers legacy. "I couldn't do what I do without those guys knocking down doors and barriers," Johnson said. "I'm only able to do it because of a man like Jackie and Frank Robinson. "You know Jack is smiling in heaven right now saying, `Wow, the whole country has changed.' This is truly a wonderful day." Forsythe exits with right hamstring tightness By Ken Gurnick LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers starting second baseman Logan Forsythe was removed from Saturday night's 8-4 win over Arizona after four innings with right hamstring tightness. Forsythe and manager Dave Roberts said they believe the injury is minor. Roberts said Forsythe will not play on Sunday. LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers starting second baseman Logan Forsythe was removed from Saturday night's 8-4 win over Arizona after four innings with right hamstring tightness. Forsythe and manager Dave Roberts said they believe the injury is minor. Roberts said Forsythe will not play on Sunday. Forsythe said he felt the muscle tighten when he scored in the first inning (which he opened with a double) on Corey Seager's single.

"Didn't think too much of it, went back out for defense and felt a little tightness there," he said. "As the game went on, it didn't get any worse, I just couldn't get the tightness out of there. It wasn't a grab or pop or anything like that. My level of concern is not very high. We'll see what it feels like in the morning." Forsythe also singled in the second inning and singled in a run in the fourth. When the fourth inning was over, Forsythe came out of the game as part of a double-switch. Forsythe was replaced at second base by Enrique Hernandez, who moved over from left field. Buehler racks up K's for Quakes By Andrew Simon Astros No. 2 prospect Kyle Tucker enjoyed a huge night at the plate on Saturday for Class A Advanced Buies Creek, helping slug his club to a 13-6 victory at Winston-Salem. Tucker, also the No. 32 overall prospect in baseball, went 4-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, three runs scored and seven RBIs. In his ninth game of the season, the 20-year-old left-handed batter boosted his line to .343/.395/.714. Tucker got Buies Creek on the board in the top of the first with an RBI double, stole third base and scored. The right fielder followed that up in the second with a three-run double and scored again. In the third, he launched a three-run homer as Buies Creek grabbed a 12-0 advantage. Tucker later added a single as his team improved to 8-2 this season. It was a big game for Tucker, the brother of outfielder Preston Tucker, who has spent time in the Majors with the Astros in each of the previous two seasons and currently is at Triple-A Fresno. The younger Tucker was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 Draft out H.B. Plant High School in Tampa. After playing Rookie ball that year, he reached Class A Advanced Lancaster in '16 but spent most of the year at Class A Quad Cities, where he batted .276/.348/.402 with six home runs in 101 games. The rest of the best performances from top prospects Saturday: • No. 19 overall prospect Willy Adames (Rays' No. 1) is off to a slow start this year, but he hit his first Triple-A home run Saturday in Durham's 8-6 loss to Gwinnett. Adames, a 21-year-old shortstop getting his first taste at the Minors' highest level, was batting .103 through his first seven games. But he went 2-for-3 with a walk on Friday, then on Saturday launched a three-run homer in the ninth inning as Durham attempted a comeback that ultimately came up short. • No. 66 overall prospect Anthony Alford (Blue Jays' No. 3) connected for his first career Double-A home run, helping New Hampshire to an 8-5 victory at Hartford. Alford added a double and a walk, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and through eight games in 2017 is now 13-for-28 (.464) with a 1.179 OPS. • Atlanta's Double-A Mississippi affiliate split two games against Tennessee but got a pair of strong performances from highly touted young pitchers. One of those was Braves No. 8 prospect Max Fried, who bounced back from a tough season debut in which he allowed four hits and three walks over 1 2/3

innings. This time, the lefty held Tennessee to one run on two hits and two walks over six frames while striking out four in a 3-2 loss. Meanwhile, No. 73 overall prospect Mike Soroka (Braves' No. 4), had his second straight strong outing to spur a 3-1 win. The 19-year-old righty struck out seven without walking a batter over 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits. • No. 89 overall prospect Walker Buehler (Dodgers' No. 5) was racking up the Ks for Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga in his start against Lake Elsinore. The righty, a first-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2015, started his outing by giving up two singles and a lineout. He finished it with eight consecutive strikeouts, five of them called. Buehler now has 12 K's in six innings this year, without allowing an earned run. • Phillies No. 13 prospect Rhys Hoskins continued his hot start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a 6-0 win at Pawtucket in the first game of a doubleheader. The big first baseman launched a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the seventh -- both off longtime big league pitcher Kyle Kendrick. Hoskins, who hit 38 homers for Double-A Reading last year, now has three in 2017 and is batting a robust .324/.452/.676. His power surge supported Phillies No. 12 prospect Nick Pivetta, who tossed a seven-inning shutout, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five. The right-hander now has allowed one earned run in 13 innings this season, striking out 13 without issuing a free pass. • At Reading last year, Hoskins' "Bash Brother" was Phillies No. 9 prospect Dylan Cozens, who led the Minor Leagues with 40 homers. Cozens was back at it in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, a 7-6 win over Pawtucket, and he had help from Phillies No. 4 prospect Nick Williams. The IronPigs trailed 5-0 going into the sixth and 6-5 into the seventh and final frame, but Cozens smacked a game-tying solo homer and Williams followed two batters later with the go-ahead solo shot. It was Cozens' second long ball of the year and the first for Williams, who went 3-for-3. • Phillies No. 11 prospect Scott Kingery kept up his torrid pace in Double-A Reading's 7-6 win over Richmond. The second baseman whacked a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning -- giving him four homers and 10 RBIs over his past five games -- and added three walks. Reading's leadoff man now owns a .313/.439/.781 line through nine games this season. • D-backs No. 21 prospect Marcus Wilson was a force out of the leadoff spot for Class A Kane County in an 8-4 victory at Quad Cities. The 20-year-old outfielder, in the DH spot in this one, went 3-for-5 with a pair of three-run home runs, three runs scored and a stolen base. After homering once in 234 at-bats last season, Wilson already has gone deep four times in 10 games in 2017. • Padres No. 25 prospect Franchy Cordero drove in five late runs with a pair of homers to help Triple-A El Paso top Reno for a 10-5 road win. The Chihuahuas' leadoff man smacked a two-run shot in the seventh to extend the club's lead to 6-3, then added more insurance with a three-run blast in the ninth to make it 10-3. Cordero now has four homers and eight RBIs this season.

LA TIMES Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks despite another rough start for Kenta Maeda By Mike DiGiovanna There were bookend celebrations in Dodger Stadium on Saturday, the team unveiling a statue of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson outside the left-field reserve plaza in the afternoon and closer Kenley Jansen recording the final four outs of the Dodgers’ 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks to cap the evening. In between, two early exits were cause for concern. Neither hot-hitting second baseman Logan Forsythe nor struggling pitcher Kenta Maeda made it past the fourth inning, Forsythe leaving because of right hamstring tightness and Maeda departing with a bloated 7.07 ERA after three starts. On the plus side, the Dodgers, who lost four of their first five games against left-handed starters, throttled left-hander Patrick Corbin for five runs and nine hits in six innings. Dodgers left-hander Alex Wood was dominant in 31/3 innings of hitless relief in which he struck out three batters, and left-hander Luis Avilan struck out Jake Lamb for the second out of the eighth inning. Enrique Hernandez, who moved from left field to second base in the fifth, preserved a 5-4 lead when, with a runner on second base, he raced into shallow right field to snag Brandon Drury’s popup, and avoid a nasty collision with right fielder Yasiel Puig, to end the eighth. Puig is 6 feet 2 and 238 pounds. Hernandez is 5-11, 200. “If it were me, I would have probably ran away from the ball,” said manager Dave Roberts, a former outfielder. “But [Enrique] was fearless. It was a huge out, and it could have changed the game.” Puig capped a three-hit night with a three-run homer to left field in the eighth, his team-leading fourth, to drive in Corey Seager, who had doubled with two outs, and Justin Turner, who was hit by a Fernando Rodney high-and-tight pitch. “There were a lot of good things tonight,” Roberts said. And some not-so-good things. The injury to Forsythe, who doubled and singled twice to raise his average to .450 (nine for 20) against left-handers, will sideline him at least Sunday. “My level of concern is not very high,” Forsythe said. “It feels fine right now.” Maeda gave up four earned runs and four hits in four innings, striking out five and walking one. His fastball dipped from 94 mph in the first inning to 90-92 mph in the second. Maeda gave up a three-run homer to Nick Ahmed in the second and an RBI single to Ahmed in the fourth.

“The hope is for guys to go deep into games, but as I see how the game is playing out, I have to make certain decisions,” Roberts said. “My eyes told me tonight that it was time for Woody to relieve Kenta.” Consecutive hits by Forsythe (double), Seager (single) and Turner (double), and Puig’s sacrifice fly gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead in the first. Austin Barnes’ first big league homer, off the left-field foul pole in the second, tied the score 3-3. The Dodgers tied it 4-4 in the fourth on Seager’s sacrifice fly and were gifted the go-ahead run on a fifth-inning error. Clayton Kershaw is clearly the No. 1 pitcher in duel with Zack Greinke By Bill Shaikin and Mike DiGiovanna fter all the lovely words had been spoken, the blue curtain raised, and the majestic statue of Jackie Robinson unveiled, his daughter reflected on a day she called powerful and inspirational. “It was wonderful,” Sharon Robinson said, “to share that with Mom.” Rachel Robinson is 94. She celebrated Saturday by sharing stories with Vin Scully, 89, and greeting three of her husband’s former teammates: Don Newcombe, 90, Tom Lasorda, 89, and Sandy Koufax, 81. Brooklyn’s Boys of Summer are deep into their autumn. Rachel Robinson has not been in the best of health this year, and her children said they were pleased — but not surprised — that she rallied to take a place of honor during the statue dedication in the afternoon and receive a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd in the evening. “We’ve now come from Pasadena to Brooklyn and back with the Dodgers,” said Robinson’s son, David. “To see that cycle in one’s life, and to see that work honored and respected, and to see the elders there who were with her during those days, I think it touches great memories for her and has great significance and importance.” Jackie Robinson grew up in Pasadena, and he met his wife at UCLA in 1941. He retired before the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, but Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson said team chairman Mark Walter promised Rachel five years ago that the new owners would install a Jackie Robinson statue. “I’m more happy because of his statue than the two I’ve got,” Johnson said. Johnson said Robinson and Muhammad Ali had paved the way for his success in sports and business. Baseball’s drive for diversity remains a work in progress, but Johnson smiled broadly as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts presented Rachel Robinson with a framed picture of the sculpture. The sculptor, Branly Cadet, is African American. Roberts is the first African American manager in Dodgers history.

“You know that Jackie is just smiling in heaven right now,” Johnson said. Roberts makes it a point to check in with each of his players every day, helping them navigate emotional hurdles where he can. “Can you imagine what Jackie went through compared to the players of today? You know, sometimes we complain about the Internet service,” Roberts said. “No, we can’t imagine what he went through. “You talk to Sandy and hear some of the stories that are talked about, it just wasn’t even close. It doesn’t do it justice, you know, the strength of the man. Until you know Rachel and people who were around Jackie, you can’t gather the magnitude of what he went through.” Rachel Robinson and the Boys of Summer will not be around forever to share those stories, but they will be told and retold at the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York, with groundbreaking ceremonies set this year. “She’s really led the charge on the legacy building,” Sharon Robinson said. “Her last command performance is the museum.” The Dodger Stadium statue, which includes such iconic Jackie Robinson quotes as “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” also will enable future generations to learn about Robinson when firsthand accounts are no longer available. That legacy also will be continued by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which has provided financial and mentorship support to 1,500 students over the last four decades. Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier has funded three of those scholarships. “They are embracing the embodiment of Jackie Robinson and the courage that it takes to change society,” David Robinson said. “When all of us are looking down, we will have thousands of students that bear the Jackie Robinson name.”

OC REGISTER

Kenta Maeda struggles again, but Yasiel Puig and Dodgers’ bats stay hot in win over Arizona By Rich Hammond LOS ANGELES — The sixth inning remains a myth for starting pitcher Kenta Maeda, but on Saturday, the Dodgers’ hitters prevented a budding problem from turning into a disaster. Maeda, for the third time in as many starts this season, either missed bats or got hit hard, but the Dodgers sprayed balls to all corners of Dodger Stadium and earned an 8-4 victory over Arizona in front of 48,070.

On a night when all players honored the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s major-league debut and wore his No. 42, the positives were clear for the Dodgers, and they started with Yasiel Puig, who hit a three-run, eighth-inning home run to break open a close game. It was the fourth home run in 12 games for Puig, who finished 3 for 3 with four RBI. “There were a lot of good things there,” Manager Dave Roberts said of Puig, who also had a run-scoring sacrifice fly, two singles and walk. After an offensive outage in Chicago this week, the Dodgers returned home and filled the bases for a second consecutive game. They scored two runs on the first five pitches they saw Saturday, and had a running in scoring position in each of the first six innings. Then there’s Maeda, who lasted only four innings and gave up a three-run home run to Arizona’s light-hitting shortstop, Nick Ahmed. Ahmed added a RBI single in fourth and, even though Maeda had thrown only 71 pitches, Manager Dave Roberts had seen enough and pulled Maeda for a pinch hitter in the bottom half. “The fastball velocity was still good,” Roberts said, “but there were some misses with the secondary (pitches) that I didn’t feel good about.” Maeda, in three starts this season, has allowed 11 runs and 15 hits in 14 innings. Maeda struck out five and walked one Saturday, and he’s been fine in that area but not in general. That came into sharp focus when Alex Wood (1-0) relieved Maeda, looked great and got the win. Wood, bumped from the rotation because of the impending return of starter Rich Hill, pitched 3 1/3 innings and allowed only two baserunners, both on errors, and struck out three. “There will be some nights I have one inning and some nights I’ll have four innings,” Wood said. “It will be whatever the game calls for, and then if they need me to start and rejoin the rotation at some point, that’s what I’ll do.” Kenley Jansen recorded the final four outs for his third save of the season, and second baseman Kiké Hernandez made a diving catch to end the eighth and prevent the tying run from scoring.The only problem for Dodgers hitters came in the fifth inning, when Logan Forsythe, who had gone 3 for 3, left the game for what the team called “precautionary” reasons, with a sore right hamstring. Still, on a night when the Dodgers held three regulars – catcher Yasmani Grandal and outfielders Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles – out of the starting lineup, there were many encouraging signs. For instance, if Corey Seager is figuring out left-handed pitching, the National League is in trouble. Seager drove in two runs Saturday and leads the Dodgers with 10 RBI in 12 games. Seager entered Saturday with only four hits in 18 at-bats against lefties (.222), and he hit .250 against them as a rookie last season. So, in his his first three at-bats Saturday, Seager smoked an RBI single to right center, walked and hit a run-scoring sacrifice fly to tie the game 4-4 in the fourth inning. Perhaps the Dodgers merely were happy to see Arizona starter Patrick Corbin, a left-hander they battered three times last season. One pleased Dodger was catcher Austin Barnes, who hit his first major-league home run in the second inning.

The Dodgers led 2-0 after the first inning, then trailed 3-2 and 4-3 before they regained the lead through a wild sequence in the fifth, when Arizona insisted upon staying with Corbin. Hernandez hit a one-out ground-rule double, then advanced to third when Austin Barnes struck out but the ball momentarily rolled away from Arizona catcher Chris Herrmann. Arizona then intentionally walked Scott Van Slyke to bring up Wood, and Van Slyke attempted a steal of second. Herrmann faked a throw to second, then attempt to catch Hernandez wandering off third base. Instead, the throw hit Hernandez and bounced away, and he scored for a 5-4 Dodgers lead. Jackie Robinson’s legacy includes Dodgers manager Dave Roberts By Rich Hammond LOS ANGELES — Jackie Robinson wanted baseball to hire its first African-American manager. He said so directly at the 1972 World Series, in his final public appearance nine days before his death. Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 and paved the path for many of those who honored him Saturday at Dodger Stadium, at the unveiling of a Robinson statue. Few people can trace a more direct path to Robinson’s legacy than Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Roberts followed Robinson onto the UCLA baseball field, which by that point had been named Jackie Robinson Stadium. Roberts followed Robinson into a Dodger uniform, first as a player and then, last year, as the first manager of color in franchise history. “There are a lot of parallels,” Roberts said before Saturday’s game against Arizona, “but far from any type of comparison. But to do some of the things he did, for me to think about it in that scope, it’s kind of crazy.” Robinson became the first person honored with a statue outside 55-year-old Dodger Stadium. On the 70th anniversary of Robinson’s first game, the Dodgers unveiled the statue during an invitation-only ceremony that included Robinson’s widow, 94-year-old Rachel, two of their children, Dodgers ownership and team legends such as Sandy Koufax, Tommy Lasorda, Don Newcombe and Vin Scully. The 77-inch-tall bronze statue, constructed by Oakland sculptor Branly Cadet, displays Robinson sliding into home plate and includes three of his best-known quotes engraved into the base. Roberts, born four days after the Dodgers retired Robinson’s number in 1972, presented Robinson family members with framed pictures of the statue. They shared the stage with (unrelated) Frank Robinson, who in 1975 became baseball’s first African-American manager. Roberts said he felt awed to wear Robinson’s No. 42 on Saturday – as players and coaches did league-wide Saturday – and said he couldn’t imagine the challenges Robinson faced as a trailblazer.

“And sometimes we complain about the internet service,” Roberts joked. “We can’t imagine what he went through. … Until you’ve been around Rachel and some of his teammates, you really don’t understand the magnitude of what he went through.” STILL GOT IT Scully, not surprisingly, got a rousing ovation at the ceremony as he shared stories of ice skating in New York with Robinson, and about death threats Robinson received after his debut. The recently retired Scully started his brief speech the way he led off each Dodgers telecast: “Hi everyone, and a very pleasant Saturday to you.” After a pause, Scully added, “I couldn’t resist that.” WHO’S NEXT? The Dodgers seemingly intend to add more statues outside the stadium, but part-owner Magic Johnson declined to speculate on the timetable, or the next honoree. “I think that’s going to be talked about,” Johnson said. “That’s not something that one person will decide. I’m sure people will weigh in. So, I can’t talk about the second one.” JUST A REST? Austin Barnes started at catcher for the Dodgers on Saturday, which gave Yasmani Grandal his second game off of the season. Grandal, a switch-hitter, typically is stronger from the left side, and on Saturday the Dodgers faced left-handed starter Patrick Corbin. “Yasmani, he will be in there (Sunday),” Roberts said. “It’s just continuing to keep Austin consistent, and also it’s a long season, and we want to keep Yasmani fresh.” On deck: Diamondbacks at Dodgers, Sunday, 1 p.m. By Rich Hammond DIAMONDBACKS AT DODGERS When: Sunday, 1 p.m. Where: Dodger Stadium TV: SNLA (where available) THE PITCHERS DIAMONDBACKS RHP TAIJUAN WALKER (1-1, 4.91 ERA) vs. Dodgers: 0-1, 11.25 ERA

At Dodger Stadium: 0-1, 11.25 ERA Hates to face: Scott Van Slyke, 1 for 2 (.500), two RBI Loves to face: Logan Forsythe, 0 for 2 (.000), one strikeout DODGERS LHP RICH HILL (1-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks: 1-2, 4.60 ERA at Dodger Stadium: 3-1, 0.64 ERA Hates to face: Paul Goldschmidt, 1 for 3 (.333), one RBI Loves to face: Chris Iannetta, 1 for 6 (.167), four strikeouts

ESPN Dodgers again find inspiration on Jackie Robinson Day By Doug Padilla LOS ANGELES -- With the No. 42 on their backs, the Los Angeles Dodgers have played some inspired baseball. Saturday’s 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks was not a work of art, by any stretch of the imagination, but it was yet another April 15 victory. Since Jackie Robinson Day was started by Major League Baseball in 2004, the Dodgers have won 11 times on April 15. They have lost only three. That is a .786 win percentage that should show just how proud they are as an organization to carry on the Robinson legacy. Of course, every player on every team wears a 42 on his jersey on Jackie Robinson Day. Only this team wears “Dodgers” on the front, though. No team in Major League Baseball has more victories than the Dodgers’ 11 on Jackie Robinson Day, although the St. Louis Cardinals do have 11, as well. “It’s very beautiful, and it is an honor to wear that number,” Yasiel Puig said through an interpreter. “Throughout my career, I’ve had a lot of success wearing 42, so I think I’m going to have to wear a shirt underneath with No. 42 when it’s not Jackie Robinson Day.” Puig hit a three-run home run Saturday and finished the night with three hits and four RBIs. He now has four home runs on the season and is in a logjam for third place in the National League with 10 RBIs. Corey Seager is one of eight NL players also with 10. Only Mark Reynolds of the Colorado Rockies (11) and Marcell Ozuna of the Miami Marlins (17) have more.

Puig's memory of success on April 15, though, is up for debate. He did hit a triple on Jackie Robinson Day in 2014 but went hitless last season and did not play in 2015. Also with a home run Saturday was Dodgers backup catcher Austin Barnes. The first long ball of his young career went off the left-field foul pole in the second inning. He said he planned to give the ball to his parents; his preference would be to keep the No. 42 jersey. “It’s unbelievable, and the guys have been talking about it all day,” Barnes said, gesturing out to the rest of the clubhouse. “Jackie Robinson Day is a special day, and it means a lot to wear the No. 42. Obviously, it’s a special day for the Dodgers organization and a special day for baseball, as well.” Saturday’s celebration started in grand fashion with a bronze Robinson statue unveiled outside of the gates on the third-base side of the reserved level. Baseball royalty in attendance included Sandy Koufax, Frank Robinson, Tommy Lasorda, Orel Hershiser and Steve Garvey. Robinson’s widow, Rachel, and children Sharon and David were on hand, gathering with the entire Dodgers team on the field not long before first pitch to take a photograph. Diamondbacks players looked on and didn’t really seem to stand a chance with such an intimidating pregame ceremony, but the visitors kept it close until the late innings. “It’s just that much more special, being that it is the jersey [Robinson] wore with that [Dodgers] name on the front and the number” said Seager, who had two hits, two runs scored and two RBIs in the victory. “It’s really special. The Dodgers have so much history people can sometimes forget all of it, and you can’t say that about a lot of organizations. It’s definitely something we take a lot of pride in.” Dave Roberts, the first African-American manager in franchise history, is appreciative of every moment he spends on the Dodgers’ bench. But on a day like Saturday, that feeling is only heightened. “I think each game we focus on winning that game, but I do think with what happened today and the unveiling of the statue, you see 42 hanging all over the clubhouse, it kind of takes you back a little bit,” said Roberts, who is now 2-0 managing on Jackie Robinson Day. “I don’t know how much that plays into wins or losses, but I do know that when we put that uniform on, on Jackie Robinson Day, it’s special for all of us.” Puig hits 3-run HR to help Dodgers beat Diamondbacks 8-4 By AP LOS ANGELES -- Yasiel Puig has said he's matured, and that's why he's hit so well early this season. Whatever it is, the Los Angeles Dodgers will welcome more of it. Puig homered and drove in four runs to help the Dodgers overcome a sloppy defensive game to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4 on Saturday night to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day.

He also hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, singled twice and walked for a team-high 10th time. This performance came with all the players wearing No. 42 in honor of Robinson, and Puig thinks he might have found a lucky charm in the number. "I think I'm going to have to wear under my jersey every day," Puig said. Puig's three-run home run in the eighth was his fourth of the season and came while the Dodgers were trying to hang on to a one-run lead. Alex Wood (1-0) pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win and Kenley Jansen got the last four outs for his third save of the season. Los Angeles went ahead 5-4 in the fifth on catcher Chris Herrmann's throwing error -- one of five errors in the game -- before Puig padded the lead with his three-run shot in the eighth off closer Fernando Rodney. Austin Barnes also went deep for the Dodgers, getting his first career homer. Nick Ahmed homered and drove in all four runs for Arizona, which had only five hits on the night. "That's baseball," Arizona third baseman Jake Lamb said. "You're going to score runs sometimes, you're going to put up one run and win the game sometimes. That's how the game works, so you can't sit here and get frustrated by the offense." Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin (1-2) started but struggled in his six innings, giving up five runs -- three earned -- and nine hits with three walks. Kenta Maeda lasted only four innings for the Dodgers, allowing four runs and four hits with a walk. He went only five innings in each of his first two starts. With runners on the corners in the fifth and the score tied 4-4, Scott Van Slyke broke from first on a steal attempt. Herrmann faked a throw to second and had Enrique Hernandez caught drifting down the third base line, but his throw to third hit Hernandez in the back and went into left field, allowing Hernandez to score. The Dodgers opened the scoring with two runs in the first. Logan Forsythe doubled and scored on Seager's single to center. After Turner's league-best seventh double, Seager scored on Puig's sacrifice fly. Barnes' homer made it 3-0 in the second. Arizona took a brief 4-3 lead in the fourth when Brandon Drury doubled and scored on Ahmed's single up the middle. After Ahmed's homer, the Dodgers tied it back up in the bottom of the second with an unearned run. Van Slyke reached on Ahmed's throwing error, moved to third on Forsythe's single to center and scored on Seager's sacrifice fly. Los Angeles had the bases loaded with two outs, but Adrian Gonzalez grounded out to shortstop Ahmed to end the inning. The Dodgers committed three errors on the night, and the Diamondbacks had two.

TRAINER'S ROOM Dodgers: Forsythe left the game after the fourth inning for what the Dodgers called precautionary reasons after his right hamstring tightened up. He was 3 for 3. Said Forsythe: "It didn't pop or grab so my level of concern is not high." UCLA CONNECTION Both managers in this series played at UCLA, though never together. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo were reunited with ex-UCLA head coach Gary Adams prior to Saturday's game. HERNANDEZ VERSATILITY Hernandez showed his value. He started the night in left and later was moved to second, where he made a couple of excellent defensive plays, one in the eighth that saved a run when he caught an overhead fly in front of a charging Puig. Said Roberts: "He's fearless. That was a huge out and it could have changed the game." UP NEXT Diamondbacks: RHP Taijuan Walker (1-1) starts the series finale. He's had one career start against the Dodgers, losing 5-2 on April 15, 2015. Dodgers: LHP Rich Hill (1-0) comes off the disabled list to make his second start of the season. Hill developed a blister on his left index finger in his April 5 start against the Padres. Jackie Robinson statue unveiled at Dodger Stadium By Doug Padilla LOS ANGELES -- Everything was perfectly placed Saturday, when it came to the Jackie Robinson statue the Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled at Dodger Stadium. Presented on Jackie Robinson Day, the bronze sculpture with a granite base honored the trailblazing athlete and humanitarian who broke the color barrier exactly 70 years prior. But the symbolism only started there. Robinson's journey was long and often arduous, so the sculpture depicts him at the outset of his career, when his road to helping diversity began. That he is frozen in time stealing home is no accident, either, as the action reflects both bravery and an aggressive nature, two traits that helped Robinson on his historic path. Having the statue on the reserve level on the third-base side was a prerequisite because that is the most trafficked entry at Dodger Stadium, and that gives as many fans as possible the chance to see it.

The Robinson statue is the first in what president and CEO Stan Kasten plans to be a series of sculptures honoring Dodgers greats. His decision to start the project with Robinson was a simple one. "Every advancement in society has come from people standing on the shoulders of giants," Kasten told a crowd of baseball dignitaries and Robinson family members at the statue's unveiling. "In the history of baseball, in the history of our country, few people have stood taller than Jackie Robinson. Jackie stood for excellence on the field, he stood for excellence off the field, but mostly he stood for the proposition that all human beings deserve their dignity, respect and fair treatment at all times." Others to take the dais at the ceremony included longtime and recently retired broadcaster Vin Scully, baseball icon Frank Robinson and NBA legend and Dodgers part owner Magic Johnson. Also on hand was Robinson's widow, Rachel, 94, as well as two of the couple's children, Sharon and David. Dodgers greats such as Sandy Koufax, Steve Garvey, Tommy Lasorda, Fernando Valenzuela and Orel Hershiser were present as well. Scully told a longtime favorite yarn of an offseason promotional event in New York when he was a young broadcaster and Robinson was one of the Dodgers' top players. Scully and Robinson were to both ice skate, and Robinson challenged Scully to a race, even though he had never laced up skates. Scully's message in telling the story was to challenge yourself even in the face of the unknown. He then told a second tale, one that had a direct connection to every game played in the major leagues on Saturday, when all players wore the No. 42. In 1950, Robinson received a specific death threat for a Sunday game in Cincinnati. The mood before the game was somber until one player spoke up. "The Dodgers had a young left fielder by the name of Gene Hermanski, and Gene was colorful, bright, blond, white and full of you-know-what," Scully said. "And in this quiet atmosphere in the clubhouse, Gene suddenly says, 'I've got it!' He said, 'We'll all wear No. 42, and they'll never know which one is Jackie Robinson.'" That game was played without incident, and the only player to wear No. 42 that day was Robinson. On Saturday, however, everybody wore Robinson's number. "In 2004, Gene Hermanski's words from 1950 came to fruition," Scully said. "'We'll all wear No. 42.' And all across the country, every player will be wearing No. 42." While a number of Robinson statues exist around the country, including at UCLA and in Pasadena, where he was raised, none had been commissioned by the Dodgers until now. The one revealed Saturday was sculpted by Oakland-based artist Branly Cadet, who pained over the details. "I think in order to achieve a likeness of someone, you have to be hypercritical," Cadet said. "Fortunately, I have the family to bounce the images off of." Despite the statue's rising 77 inches and weighing 700 pounds, the likeness of Robinson is striking in its accuracy. The uniform is rumpled in harmony with Robinson's actions, and the details even include Robinson's shoe bent backward as it drags along the dirt at the beginning of his slide. On the 34,000-pound granite base that rises 30 inches, three famous Robinson quotes are inscribed:

"A life is not important except the impact it has on other lives." "I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me ... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being." "There is not an American in this country free until every one of us is free." Robinson's playing days ended in 1956, and he died in 1972, but the Dodger Stadium statue will be a constant reminder of what he accomplished, both on and, especially, off the field. "It is our hope that the statue will be a reminder to kids and adults that life is a glorious challenge filled with stolen bases and strikeouts," Sharon Robinson said. "And that it will inspire each of us to fight back against injustice, build strong communities, take risks and embrace the beautiful diversity that is this great nation."

TRUE BLUE LA

Dodgers utilizing position player depth By Eric Stephen LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers go for a third consecutive win on Sunday, with pretty much all hands on deck contributing to their first two wins over the Diamondbacks. Austin Barnes started for the third time in 12 games this season on Saturday, and hit his first major league home run. “It’s important for Yasmani Grandal to get days [off],” manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s important for Austin to stay relevant, stay current. I like his receiving back there. His at-bat quality is good. He’s real green, but we’re going to keep running him out there, and I feel good when he is behind the plate.” But like most days when a regular doesn’t start, that doesn’t necessarily mean a full day off. Grandal, for instance, entered in a double switch in the eighth inning when closer Kenley Jansen came in, and caught the final four outs. Yasiel Puig is the only Dodger to start all 12 games this season, but three others have played in all 12. Adrian Gonzalez was out of the lineup twice so far, but ended up playing in both games. Corey Seager and Logan Forsythe both played in the one game they didn’t start. Forsythe, who felt tightness in his right hamstring and left on Saturday after just four innings, won’t be in the lineup tomorrow and likely won’t play, which probably means a start for Chase Utley. On average, the Dodgers use just over 11 position players per game, which means three of their five bench players, on average, see action every game. The Dodgers used all 13 position players in two games against the Cubs, and in three other games they have used 12.

Friday’s win over the Diamondbacks was the only game this season that saw the Dodgers not use a single position player sub. It’s a delicate balance between trying to get regular rest for the mostly everyday players, keeping them fresh for later in the season and into October, while also trying to make sure the reserves get enough playing time to remain productive. Scott Van Slyke has started just twice — though he has played in 11 of 12 games — and is 2-for-13 (.154) with a double and three walks. He walked and scored Saturday night. Utley has started only three games and played in eight, and he’s 1-for-17 (.059) with a walk. It helps that several Dodgers play multiple positions. Forsythe has started at second and third, Van Slyke has played first base, left field and center field, Andrew Toles has played left and center, and Barnes has even seen time at third base. But the utility man who stands out for his versatility is Kiké Hernandez, who has started at shortstop, center field and left field, and on Saturday night added second base to his 2017 ledger, making two stellar defensive plays to help the Dodgers preserve their lead. “It’s just something people take for granted, that versatility and that unselfishness to move all over the diamond, to come off the bench, and get a spot start,” Roberts said. “I don’t take it for granted. He had a huge night.” Hernandez also doubled and scored on Saturday. The mixing and matching of Dodgers lineups isn’t going away anytime soon. Just know that no matter who starts, just about everyone will get a chance to still play. Walker Buehler strikes out 8 in a row By Craig Minami RANCHO CUCAMONGA —- The Quakes closed out the Storm to sweep their three-game series and that also meant all four Dodger minor league affiliates won on Saturday. Player of the day 2015 No. 1 Draft pick right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler made his LoanMart Field debut and dazzled the sold-out home crowd with his pitching. Buehler gave up back-to-back singles to start the game and then after a line out, Buehler struck out the next eight batters in a row. Triple-A Oklahoma City Oklahoma City scored five runs in the eighth and they went on to beat Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) 8-4 to take the first game of their series. Julio Urias started for the Dodgers and he pitched 4⅔ innings and he gave up one run, four hits, walked two and struck out four. Urias made 73 pitches in the game.

With just a one run lead going into the eighth, the Dodgers loaded the bases with no outs. Chris Taylor was hit-by-a-pitch to score the first run of the inning and then Cody Bellinger doubled home two. Taylor and Bellinger would later score to make it 8-2. Layne Somsen and Joe Gunkel finished up the game for the Dodgers, Somsen got the win and Gunkel picked up the save. Alex Verdugo had three hits, Cody Bellinger and Rob Segedin each had two hits., Taylor hit his first home run of the season. Double-A Tulsa The Drillers scored all of their runs in just one inning but fortunately it was enough to beat Midland RockHounds (Athletics) 6-3 to win their second straight. Trailing by two runs, the Drillers put six runs across in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead. With the bases-loaded and two out, back-to-back two RBI hits by Kyle Farmer and Edwin Rios made it 6-2. Rios had three hits and two doubles. One thing to perhaps watch, right-handed pitcher Yaisel Sierra closed out the game with one inning pitched, one hit allowed and one strike out. Class-A Rancho Cucamonga The Quakes pitchers on Saturday combine to strike out 20 and that combined with early offense helped lead to a 5-3 win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres). The Quakes won their fourth straight and got their first series sweep of the season. Walker Buehler was electric, the speed gun graphic was flashing 97, 98 and even one 99 during his three innings of work. After Buehler was taken out, Shea Spitzbarth, Dean Kremer and Wes Helsabeck pitched the last six innings and they totaled 12 strikeouts with Helsabeck striking out six of the seven batters he faced. The Quakes scored their first run on a two-out single by Drew Jackson. In the third inning, Will Smith tripled home two and later scored on Ibandel Isabel’s sacrifice fly. Drew Jackson drove in his second run, scoring Logan Landon with a single. The Storm made it close, scoring three runs against Kremer but that was not enough to overtake the Quakes. Class-A Great Lakes The Loons ended their home game losing streak and beat Dayton Dragons (Reds) 7-1 on Saturday afternoon. The Loons had dropped their first four games at home. Carlos Rincon put the Loons on the board with his fifth home run, a 2-run shot in the first inning. The teams traded runs in the fourth inning but single runs by the Loons in the fifth, sixth and seventh inning put the game out of reach.

One of those runs was a Zach McKinstry home run, his first in the season. McKinstry has a .519 on-base percentage with 10 walks and nine hits in the team’s first 10 games. Brendon Davis and Mitch Hanson each had three hits and they also each hit a triple, which were the first two of the season for the Loons. A.J. Alexy pitched 2⅔ innings, he allowed a run, two hits and struck out five. Willian Soto followed Alexy and he pitched 3⅔ innings, and he gave up no runs, three hits, two walks and struck out two. Transactions Double-A: Right-handed pitcher TIm Shibuya placed on 7-day disabled list; right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz assigned to Tulsa from Dodgers Extended Spring Training. Class-A: Right-handed pitcher Lenix Osuna assigned to Great Lakes from Ogden; right-handed pitcher Nolan Long assigned to Dodgers Extended Spring Training from Great Lakes. Saturday scores Oklahoma City 8, Memphis 4 Tulsa 6, Midland 3 Rancho Cucamonga 5, Lake Elsinore 3 Great Lakes 7, Dayton 1 Sunday schedule 12:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Trevor Oaks) at Memphis (Daniel Poncedeleon) Yasiel Puig’s big night lifts Dodgers over Diamondbacks By Eric Stephen LOS ANGELES — It was a sloppy game rife with errors and base running mistakes, but Yasiel Puig helped smooth a lot of that out, reaching base four times and driving in four runs to lift the Dodgers over the Diamondbacks 8-4 on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium. Alex Wood was the pitching safety net for the Dodgers, providing 3⅓ scoreless innings in relief after a short start by Kenta Maeda. Wood struck out three and didn’t allow a hit to get the Dodgers into the eighth inning with a lead. “With the top of the order coming up, with dominant left-handed hitters. You have Alex Wood on four days rest,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I felt confident he could get one time through the lineup and get us to the back end of the bullpen.” Wood almost fell victim to the aforementioned bad defense, with errors on back-to-back plays in the fifth inning, but Jeremy Hazelbaker got greedy and was thrown out at third base, neutering Arizona’s chances at a big innings.

The Dodgers scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning on a steal attempt with runners at the corners. Scott Van Slyke stole second, and after a pump fake by catcher Chris Herrmann, Kiké Hernandez was caught off third base. But Herrmann’s throw hit Hernandez in between the shoulder blades and caromed behind third base, allowing Hernandez to score. Hitting lefties While that run may have been a gift, it was the fifth of the night scored against Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin, who is left-handed. The Dodgers tallied nine hits and three walks against Corbin, who fell to 0-7 with a 6.30 ERA in his last eight starts against the Dodgers. Logan Forsythe was 3-for-3 with a double, scoring once and driving in another, but left after four innings with tightness in his right hamstring. Puig drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the first inning, then collected two singles and a walk. The two hits ended his reverse-split drought of 0-for-15 against southpaws this season. He added a three-run home run against right-hander Fernando Rodney in the eighth inning to break open a one-run game. Corey Seager was 1-for-2 with a walk and a sacrifice fly against Corbin, driving in two runs, then added a double in the ninth inning. Maeda out early Judging by the first inning, it looked like Maeda was heading for a stellar start. He was hitting 94 mph on the radar gun, got David Peralta looking on strikes then struck out Paul Goldschmidt swinging on four pitches. But after the 1-2-3 opening frame, Maeda was anything but perfect. A single and a walk in the second inning were cashed in on a three-run home run by Nick Ahmed, undoing the Dodgers’ two-run first. A double to Brandon Drury in the fourth inning brought up Ahmed again, and this time he singled to give the Diamondbacks a 4-3 advantage. Maeda was pulled after just four innings and 71 pitches, allowing four runs on four hits. He has yet to reach the sixth inning in any of his three starts this season, and has allowed 11 runs in 14 innings to open the season. “There were some misses in there that I didn’t like seeing,” Roberts said. “The curveball was up. There were some misses with the secondary that I didn’t feel comfortable about.“ Notes The home run by Austin Barnes in the second inning was his first major league home run. Justin Turner was 1-for-3 on Saturday, and his first-inning double gave him a National League-leading seven doubles on the season. He was also hit by two pitches, and leads the Dodgers with three HBP this season. Kenley Jansen got the final four outs for his third save of the season, and first appearance longer than one inning in 2017.

The Dodgers made three errors, a season high, and the Diamondbacks made two on Saturday. It was the Dodgers’ third game with multiple errors this season. Hernandez made one of the errors, but he also made two fantastic plays on defense. One was a jump throw from up the middle at second base in the sixth inning, and the second was an over-the-shoulder grab in short right field -- with a diving Puig in the vicinity — to end the eighth inning and prevent the tying run from scoring. “It’s just something people take for granted, that versatility and that unselfishness to move all over the diamond, to come off the bench, and get a spot start. I don’t take it for granted. He had a huge night,” Roberts said of Hernandez. “He’s a great defender and a heck of a baseball player.” The Dodgers improved to 11-3 on April 15 since it became Jackie Robinson Night throughout MLB. “The Dodgers have to win on Jackie Robinson Night,” Roberts said. Up next Rich Hill will be activated from the disabled list to start Sunday afternoon for the Dodgers, with Taijuan Walker getting the start for Arizona. Saturday particulars Home runs: Austin Barnes (1), Yasiel Puig (4); Nick Ahmed (1) WP - Alex Wood (1-0): 3⅓ IP, 3 strikeouts LP - Patrick Corbin (1-2): 6 IP, 9 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 3 walks, 3 strikeouts Sv - Kenley Jansen (3): 1⅓ IP, 2 strikeouts Logan Forsythe leaves game with right hamstring tightness By Eric Stephen LOS ANGELES — Dodgers second baseman Logan Forsythe left Saturday night’s game against the Diamondbacks after just four innings as a precaution with right hamstring tightness. Forsythe has been heating up at the plate, and was 3-for-3 on Saturday against Arizona starter Patrick Corbin. Forsythe doubled and scored in the first inning, then singled in the second and fourth innings. Forysthe has five hits in his last six at-bats. After his second at-bat, Forsythe put on a compression sleeve and lobbied to remain in the game. “During the game he put a sleeve on, and said he could keep going,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I wanted to see him get that third at-bat, and I was going to get him out of there right after that.” He was held up by third base coach Chris Woodward on a two-out single by Yasiel Puig in the fourth inning, a surprising choice not to challenge the arm of infielder Daniel Descalso in left field, though not so surprising given Forsythe’s hamstring.

After the fourth inning, Forsythe left the dugout and went into the clubhouse. Forsythe has played in all 12 games for the Dodgers this season, starting 11, including nine starts at second base and two at third base. He is hitting .310/.357/.408 on the season. Roberts said Forsythe will be unavailable on Sunday, and will be reevaluated after that. Watch the Jackie Robinson statue get unveiled at Dodger Stadium By Eric Stephen LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers on Saturday unveiled their statue of Jackie Robinson, honoring the 70th anniversary of Robinson’s debut and breaking baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947. It was a star-studded ceremony to unveil the statue, at the entrance of the reserve level down the left field line. It is the first statue at Dodger Stadium. Vin Scully spoke, and started his comments with, “Hello, and a very pleasant Saturday afternoon. I couldn’t resist that.” Scully recounted the classic story of the time he raced Jackie Robinson on ice skates, and the best part of the story was that Jackie’s wife Rachel insisted on also ice skating with them despite being seven months pregnant at the time. Rachel was pregnant with Sharon, and both were in attendance on Saturday, as was Jackie’s son David Robinson. Hall of Famer Frank Robinson spoke as well, as did Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten as well as ownership partner Magic Johnson. Johnson credited Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali for “paving the way” for him. The bronze statue was sculpted by Branly Cadet, who called Robinson one of his heroes. It depicts Robinson stealing home, something he did 20 times in his career. “It captures dad’s fierce compassion and determination,” said Sharon Robinson of the statue. “It’s our hope that the statue will serve a reminder that life is a glorious challenge filled with stolen bases and strikeouts, and will inspire us.” Among the Robinson quotes inscribed on the base of the statue is, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

DODGER INSIDER

Puig’s power, Hernández’s versatility pay off in 8–4 win By Rowan Kavner Hours after a statue of Jackie Robinson stealing home was unveiled Saturday at Dodger Stadium, it’s appropriate the lone Dodger to steal home this year came through with multiple game-changing plays. Kiké Hernández scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning, becoming the second Dodger this year to score after getting pegged between the shoulder blades on a throw down to third base, then helped preserve the 8–4 win against the Diamondbacks with his defense. “I don’t take it for granted,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He had a huge night, had a good at-bat late, but it was about his defense and versatility.” Hernández made the roster largely for his versatility, and he’s displayed it early this year, playing center field, left field and shortstop before adding second base to his 2017 resume late in Saturday’s game. He shifted from left field to second after Logan Forsythe left the game following a 3-for-3 outing with tightness in his hamstring, then proceeded to make a stellar play a grounder up the middle, turning and throwing in mid-air to record the out. That was just the first of a couple gems in the field, as Hernández would later save a potential game-tying run in the eighth inning by ending the threat with a man on second chasing down a fly ball in short right field that nearly dropped between Hernández and the incoming Yasiel Puig. “Kiké just showed he was fearless,” Roberts said. “It was a huge out. It could’ve changed the game.” Puig made sure that lead would stay intact in the bottom half of the eighth, belting his fourth home run of the season — and third landing in the Dodger bullpen — giving the Dodgers a four-run cushion. The power is there early this year for Puig, who went 3-for-3 with four RBI on Thursday and got on base four times, but that’s not all. In addition to slugging .692, Puig’s OPS sits at 1.132. His nine walks this season are more than a third of his walk total from last year (24). “The home runs come from the patience,” Puig said through an interpreter. With his three-run shot, Puig provided plenty of insurance for Kenley Jansen, who threw 1 1/3 perfect innings to close out the win. The Dodger bullpen once again blanked its opponent, led by 3 1/3 innings of no-hit relief work from Alex Wood, who struck out three in the process. As a reliever this year, Wood now has thrown five hitless innings with four strikeouts. “Tonight, the story, Woody giving us huge innings, Kiké defense and the at-bat quality from guys throughout the order,” Roberts said.

Forsythe Update Roberts said Forsythe (hamstring) will be out of Sunday’s lineup, but Forsythe didn’t sound concerned after the game that it would be any type of lingering injury. Forsythe went 3-for-3, raising his OPS from .652 to .765 this year and improving to 10-for-23 from the plate his last six games before departing with tightness in his hamstring that wouldn’t go away. Roberts said Forsythe put a sleeve on the hamstring during the game and wanted to keep playing, but the Dodgers decided to take him out after giving him his third at-bat. “It wasn’t one incident, it wasn’t a grab, it wasn’t a pop or anything like that,” Forsythe said. “My level of concern, it’s not very high. Feels fine right now. However many innings I played tonight, I played on it. We’ll reevaluate tomorrow and go from there.” Forsythe said it didn’t feel any worse throughout the day after feeling the tightness scoring on a Corey Seager RBI single in the first inning. He said he’ll wait to see how he feels Sunday, but he doesn’t think he’ll miss more time beyond the weekend. Other Notes: · Austin Barnes launched his first Major League home run, pulling it off the left-field foul pole. He was watching it so intently he nearly missed first base on the home run trot. · All four of the runs charged to Maeda came off the bat of Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed, who entered the night 0-for-5 against Maeda. Up Next: Rich Hill (blister) is scheduled to come off the 10-day disabled list to face Taijuan Walker. As of Saturday afternoon, the Dodgers had not yet decided on a corresponding roster move. Roberts reflects on Jackie Robinson Day By Rowan Kavner 04/15 Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 6:10 p.m. Logan Forsythe 2B Corey Seager SS Justin Turner 3B Yasiel Puig RF Adrián González 1B Trayce Thompson CF Kiké Hernández LF Austin Barnes C Kenta Maeda P Dave Roberts doesn’t often get out of his own day-to-day norm as he prepares for a game, in a job as Dodger manager he said he considers himself fortunate to do.

But he couldn’t ignore Saturday’s significance. Roberts was a part of the festivities on Jackie Robinson Day prior to Saturday’s game against the Diamondbacks, as Robinson’s statue was unveiled at Dodger Stadium 70 years to the day Robinson broke the color barrier “When you look at the scope of Jackie Robinson and that man who wore this uniform, I just put this uniform on at my locker and you see 42 staring you right in the face, it’s very humbling,” Roberts said. “It’s emotional when you kind of go back and talk to Sandy Koufax and you hear stories and you talk to Maury Wills and Don Newcombe.” Roberts said it’s fun for him to hear stories from Dodger greats who played with Robinson or had ties to the man who broke baseball’s color barrier. He also said it’s those greats that let the current Dodger players know the significance of what it means to be a Dodger. “It’s a special day around baseball, but to be wearing this uniform, I like to think it’s more special for us,” said Roberts, who, as the first minority manager of the Dodgers and also a former UCLA Bruin, is in his own right a reflection of what Robinson started. He said in talking to Dodger legends who knew Robinson and to Robinson’s family, it’s hard to imagine the magnitude of what Robinson went through and endured. One thing he does know, however, is where Robinson would be hitting in his lineup if he were playing Saturday night. “He’d be leading off tonight — and tomorrow night, he’d be leading off, too. We wouldn’t be platooning,” Roberts said with a grin. Other Notes: · Roberts said he’s seeing better footwork defensively now from Corey Seager, who had an abbreviated Spring Training while dealing with an oblique injury. · Starting catcher Yasmani Grandal is out of the lineup Saturday, with Austin Barnes making the start, but Roberts said it’s just to give Grandal a breather and keep Barnes in rhythm. Grandal is expected back in the lineup Sunday. · Kenta Maeda makes his third start of the season Saturday, coming off a win against the Rockies in which he allowed four runs on five hits in five innings, recording five strikeouts. Maeda went 3–1 with a 2.97 ERA in six starts against the Diamondbacks last year. In three starts at Dodger Stadium against Arizona last year, Maeda was even better, allowing just three earned runs over 18 2/3 innings. A symbol of courage and determination: Jackie Robinson statue unveiled By Cary Osborne On April 15, 2017, 70 years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color and 20 years after his №42 was retired, the Dodgers and the Robinson family unveiled a statue of the baseball hero and Civil Rights icon at Dodger Stadium.

Beyond being a baseball monument, it’s a monument of American history. The Robinson family — Jackie’s widow Rachel and children Sharon and David — were joined on stage for the unveiling by Vin Scully, Major League Baseball’s first black manager Frank Robinson, the first black owner in MLB history Magic Johnson and Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten. Other luminaries in attendance included Robinson’s former teammates Don Newcombe, Sandy Koufax and Tommy Lasorda. Jaime Jarrín and Fernando Valenzuela also attended. The statue’s sculptor, Branly Cadet, along with Andre Ethier, Orel Hershiser and Dave Roberts, presented members of the Robinson family with a photograph of the sculpture during the ceremonies, which were emceed by Kevin Frazier. “I actually wanted to start this day singing ‘Oh Happy Day’ because it was my dad’s favorite gospel song,” Sharon Robinson said on stage, minutes prior to a large curtain dropping down unveiling the statue. The statue is the first at Dodger Stadium and is positioned outside of the entrance to the Left Field Reserve seats. The statue depicts Robinson sliding into home — determination firmly on his face. The base of the statue has quotes from Robinson including his profound, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Prior to the curtain falling, Kasten, Scully, Johnson, Sharon and David all spoke, with Scully sharing a story of a unique encounter he had with Jackie and Rachel at a New York resort after the legendary broadcaster’s first year with the Dodgers. “Jackie looked at me and said, ‘Oh you’re going to go (ice) skating?’ Scully said. “And I said, ‘Yeah.’ “He said, I’ll go with you.’ Then Rachel said, ‘Well, I’ll go, too.’ Rachel was seven months pregnant! We tried to talk her out of it, but just like Jackie, her mind was set. “As we’re lacing up (the skates), Jack said, ‘When we get out there, I’ll race you.’ “I said, ‘Jack, you’re from Southern California. I know you’re a great athlete, but I didn’t know you ice skated.’ “And he said, ‘I’ve never been on skates in my life.’” After the ceremony, Johnson and Robinson — two important figures in American sports history — spoke about how much Jackie meant to them. “Jackie paved the way for me,” Johnson said. “Between Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali, they opened the door for me to be an owner of the Dodgers. Jackie paved the way for that. I couldn’t be an owner of the Dodgers without Jackie breaking the color barrier and playing in Major League Baseball.” Said Frank Robinson: “He meant that I had an opportunity to have a career in baseball. … I wish young people would understand more what the did, and what he had to go through and what he wanted. His

first two years, he couldn’t fight back. He couldn’t say anything. That couldn’t have been me. I’ll never thank anyone more than him and the Robinson family for what they did and what they did for me.” Cadet explained what the statue symbolizes. “The full title of the piece is ‘Stealing Home: The Point of No Return,’” he said. “It’s the point where Jackie Robinson attempts to steal home and he can’t turn back. He’s committed to the act. I wanted to capture the focus, the courage, the precise timing that’s required at that time. I think those qualities were also present in breaking the color line.”

DODGERS PHOTOG BLOG

4/13/17-Something Current-LAD-0,CHC-4 at Wrigley Field by Jon SooHoo/©LA Dodgers By Jon SooHoo https://dodgersphotog.mlblogs.com/4-13-17-something-current-lad-0-chc-4-at-wrigley-field-by-jon-soohoo-la-dodgers-3d0f9fd5174f 4/14/17-Something Current-AZ-1,LAD-7 at Dodger Stadium by Jon SooHoo and Jill Weisleder/©Los Angeles Dodgers,LLC 2017 By Jon SooHoo https://dodgersphotog.mlblogs.com/4-14-17-something-current-az-1-lad-7-at-dodger-stadium-by-jon-soohoo-and-jill-weisleder-los-c14b6e202355

CBS SPORTS

LOOK: Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson statue as baseball, Twitter honor icon By Dayn Perry Saturday, April 15, 2017, marks the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's history-making and history-shaking major-league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. By breaking the color barrier at the highest level, Robinson altered not only the game of baseball but also all of society. As a result of his perseverance, personal courage, strength, and on-field excellence, Mr. Robinson is rightly regarded as a baseball legend and a genuine American hero. In his honor, the Dodgers unveiled a new Jackie Robinson statue at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Fittingly, it's Robinson stealing home. Here's a look:

FOX SPORTS

Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson statue on 70th anniversary of MLB debut By Barry Werner Major League Baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut in the major leagues by unveiling a statue to honor the memory of the legend. Check it out as the team shows the work of art that features the icon sliding. Another Dodger icon, Vin Scully, was present along with Robinson’s widow, Rachel. Major League Baseball celebrates the day Robinson broke the color line by having every player wear No. 42. Robinson’s jersey number is retired throughout the game. Others tweeted their appreciation of what Robinson meant to the game and world.

NBC LA

Dodgers Defeat D-Backs, 8-4, on Jackie Robinson Day By Michael Duarte The Dodgers celebrated Jackie Robinson Day with a statue and a win. Austin Barnes hit his first career home and Yasiel Puig added a three-run blast in the eighth inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 8-4, on the 70th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Nick Ahmed knocked in all four runs for Arizona, but it was not enough as the Dodgers' stole the game on a double-steal attempt in the fifth inning. With runners on first and third and two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sent relief pitcher Alex Wood to the plate, opting for his pitching on the mound than a pinch-hitter at the plate. For the second time this season, Roberts called for the double steal attempt and Scott Van Slyke took off from first, looking to entice a throw from Snakes' catcher Chris Herrmann. Kiké Hernandez, who was on third base, ran halfway down the line, but promptly put on the breaks when he saw Herrmann pump fake the throw to second, and stare him down the line at third. Herrmann quickly threw down to third, but the throw hit Hernandez in the back and skipped into shallow left field, allowing the Puerto Rican utility player to score on the play.

The Dodgers have struggled with left-handed pitching the better part of the last two seasons, but they got to southpaw Patrick Corbin early and often on Saturday. L.A. scored two runs on three consecutive hits to start the game, including doubles by Logan Forsythe and Justin Turner. Ahmed delivered for the D-Backs in the top half of the second when he got all the runs back and then some with a three-run blast off Kenta Maeda to give Arizona a 3-2 lead. The Dodgers would respond, thanks to the first big league home run in the career of catcher Austin Barnes. Each team would take turns taking the lead in the fourth and fifth innings respectively, until Yasiel Puig broke the game open with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. Puig crushed an 83PMH changeup from Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney into the Dodgers' bullpen for his team-leading fourth home run of the season. Puig's 11 RBI are third in the National League behind Marcell Ozuna and Mark Reynolds. Kenley Jansen came into the game in the eighth and stayed in the game for the ninth, for a four-out save. Since the inception of Jackie Robinson Day in 2004, the Dodgers are 11-3 on April 15th, tied for the most wins in MLB history. Notes: All MLB players wore the number 42 on Saturday. The Dodgers unveiled the first statue in Stadium history with a pregame celebration on Jackie Robinson before the game. Logan Forsythe left the game after going 3-for-3 with tightness in his right hamstring. Up Next: The Dodgers are expected to activate LHP Rich Hill from the 10-day DL to start on Sunday opposite new D-Backs starter, RHP Taijuan Walker. Dodgers Unveil Jackie Robinson Statue By Michael Duarte After 55 years, Dodger Stadium has a statue. The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled the first statue in Stadium history on the 70th anniversary of the day that Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947. The Dodgers honored Robinson and his family with a pregame ceremony that featured speakers, Stan Kasten, Frank Robinson, Vin Scully, and Dodgers' owner Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

"I'm humbled to participate in the unveiling of the Jackie Robinson statue on the 70th anniversary of his Major League debut," said Magic in a statement. "His impact exceeded beyond baseball, paving a way for me and African-American athletes across all sports. Beyond being an extraordinary athlete, Robinson was an extraordinary individual. The statue is a tribute to not only the rich history and success Robinson brought to the Dodgers organization, but the social impact he made on this country." Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, as well as his two children, Sharon and David Robinson were also in attendance, and together, the threesome counted down the moment where the blue curtain was dropped at the statue was unveiled to adoring fans and guests. "We had seen pictures of it, but to see it in person, it was everything we hoped it would be," said Sharon Robinson. "It was as powerful and inspirational as we'd hoped, and it was really wonderful to share that with Mom." For fans coming out to Dodger Stadium this season who want to see the statue, it's located on the Left Field Reserve Plaza of the stadium and depicts Jackie Robinson stealing home plate, a feat he did 19 times in his Hall of Fame career. The bronze statue was designed by sculptor Branly Cadet and took 18 months to complete. It sits atop a large granite base, complete with a biography and quotes from Robinson. All told, the statue stands over nine feet tall. "I analyzed the sculptures that already existed of him, and used the context of Los Angeles. This is a megalopolis. It's a big over the top city, so it was important the sculpture was as dynamic as the city and as Jackie was," Cadet said. "I also wanted to capture his historical significance. Stealing home is one of the hardest things to do in baseball, so the act of stealing home, I thought was a good metaphor." All players across Major League Baseball wore No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson on Saturday and the first 40,000 fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium received a replica of the statue, courtesy of Bank of America.

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Los Angeles Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson statue on 70th anniversary of debut By The Sports Xchange On a day when Major League Baseball honored the anniversary of the day that Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, the Los Angeles Dodgers paid homage to the first black player by unveiling an 800-pound bronze statue depicting Robinson as a rookie sliding into home plate. Among those in attendance were Robinson's wife, Rachel, and children, Sharon and David. Dodgers owner Magic Johnson was joined by baseball's first black manager Frank Robinson, as well as Vin Scully, Tommy Lasorda, Sandy Koufax and a host of other Dodgers dignitaries. And thanks to a stellar effort by the Dodgers bullpen, the resurgence of Yasiel Puig and a shaky Arizona defense, Los Angeles capped the night with an 8-4 win over the Diamondbacks.

"The Dodgers have to win on Jackie Robinson Night," manager Dave Roberts said. His bullpen made sure of it. Four Los Angeles relievers combined to shut out Arizona for five innings and Puig belted his fourth home run in 12 games. He finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs. "There were a lot of good things there," Roberts told the Orange County Register of Puig, who also had a run-scoring sacrifice fly, two singles and walk. Alex Wood (1-0) relieved starter Kenta Maeda to begin the fifth inning and hurled 3 1/3 hitless innings for the win on Saturday night. "(Maeda's) fastball velocity was still good," Roberts said, "but there were some misses with the secondary (pitches) that I didn't feel good about." Sergio Romo followed and faced one batter, giving up a single to Paul Goldschmidt -- the only Diamondback to reach base by a hit or walk against the Dodgers' bullpen. Jansen struck out the side in the ninth after Puig gave the Dodgers some breathing room with a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth. Wood was bumped from the starting rotation with Rich Hill scheduled to come off the 10-day disabled list and start Sunday. He was ready and delivered. "There will be some nights I have one inning and some nights I'll have four innings," Wood said. "It will be whatever the game calls for, and then if they need me to start and rejoin the rotation at some point, that's what I'll do." Patrick Corbin (1-2) was the hard-luck loser for the Diamondbacks. He entered the game with a 1.80 ERA and watched it rise to 2.81 after giving up three earned runs. He went six innings and gave up nine hits and issued three walks. But it was defense that let Corbin down with the score tied at 4 in the fifth. With one out, Enrique Hernandez hit a ground-rule double to deep right. He advanced to third on a wild pitch. Scott Van Slyke was intentionally walked to set up the forceout. The strategy backfired when Van Slyke stole second and catcher Chris Herrmann tried to catch Hernandez straying too far from third. His throw hit Hernandez and bounced far enough way to allow Hernandez to race home for a 5-4 lead. The Diamondbacks remained in striking distance until Puig took closer Fernando Rodney, who was pitching in a non-save situation, deep in the bottom of the eighth.

"We wanted to give (Rodney) some work. He hadn't thrown in several days and it was part by design," manager Torey Lovullo said. The Dodgers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on three straight hits. Logan Forsythe doubled to deep right and scored on a single to short shallow by Corey Seager. Justin Turner doubled to put men on second and third. Puig's sacrifice fly scored Seager to make the score 2-0. While Maeda breezed through the first three batters in just 11 pitches, the second inning was a different story. Lamb led off with a single and, one batter later, Daniel Descalso walked, setting the stage for Nick Ahmed, who belted a three-run homer to left to put Arizona up 3-2. Austin Barnes evened the game in the Dodgers' half of the third with his first major league homer and his first RBI of the season. Ahmed struck again in the fourth, singling in Drury to put the Diamondbacks up 4-3. But an error by Ahmed led to an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth. The Dodgers tied the score when Seager's sacrifice fly scored Van Slyke, who pinch hit for Maeda and reached first on Ahmed's throwing error. NOTES: Jackie Robinson was honored across Major League Baseball on Saturday as all players wore his No. 42 as well as many wore special cleats to pay tribute to the game's first player. ... Arizona kept A.J. Pollock out of the starting lineup. The struggling center fielder did pinch hit, grounding into a forceout to end the top of the seventh inning. In his past six games, Pollock is just 2-for-28 with no walks and six strikeouts. ... Dodgers RHP Kenta Maeda lasted only four innings. In each of his first two starts this season, he had lasted five innings, giving up three runs against the Padres and four against the Rockies at Coors Field. ... Even though they now are in opposite dugouts, managers Torey Lovullo and Dave Roberts have one thing in common: They both played at UCLA under the watchful eye of manager Gary Adams, who was in attendance Saturday night. Jackie Robinson also attended UCLA.