Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 7: Spring is in the air; and so are ejections

Cactus League record: 12-9-1

Things got off to a brisk start, as Mark Trumbo was plunked by Chris Anderson in the top of the first inning, and Justin Turner was hit by Daniel Hudson in the bottom half. Was either deliberate? I would doubt it, considering its spring training, and both pitchers are trying to make the roster. Still, the umpires decided otherwise, and warnings were issued to both benches. Aaron Hill had to duck and cover from another Anderson pitch inside, but it was Allen Webster who got tossed in the fifth - the fact Turner was on the receiving end again, may have had something to do with it. Chip Hale was also ejected, as is required after warnings have been issued.

So, was that deliberate? I doubt it, and the general opinion among neutral observers seemed to be it was an accident, likely for the same reason. Webster is trying to make the rotation, and getting yourself ejected after one inning is not going to make your case. Not that Webster's first frame had done him many favors, the Dodgers scoring twice on three hits and a walk, with a strikeout. Hudson's line was similar: also three hits, two earned runs and a strikeout, but no walks, and over three frames, which is rather more acceptable. Andew Chafin was pressed into extended duty after Webster's unscheduled departure, retiring all six batters faced with a pair of K's.

But, wait! There's more! One out in the eighth inning, and Derek Eitel hit Dillon Moyer with a pitch. [You can be forgiven for asking "Who?" at both sides of that incident] Eitel, along with replacement manager bench coach Glenn Sherlock were both ejected. I'm not sure who was left in the Arizona dugout to manage from that point. Maybe hitting coach Turner Ward? Eitel and his replacement, Patrick Schuster, combined to allow the Dodgers to score three times there, and this one was over. Next time we face Los Angeles? A week today, at Salt River Fields.

Here's the good news of the day on offense. Yasmnay Tomas went 3-for-3, including his second home-run of spring, a three-run shot in the top of the sixth, which tied the game at four. Here it is: Tomas was caught stealing: not quite sure what that was about, but if I'd to guess, probably more of a failed hit-and-run than a straight steal. Let's just say, there's a reason his Twitter handle is @eltanquetomas! A.J. Pollock drove in the Diamondbacks' first run, scoring Aaron Hill with a one-out double in the first after Hill had singled, and David Peralta reached base safely twice, on a pair of walks.

Tomorrow, it's split-squad action for the Diamondbacks. First, Vidal Nuno takes the mound as we face the Cubs in their new digs, in the afternoon game. Then, in the event, Arizona will face Milwaukee at Salt River Fields, with Yoan Lopez our scheduled starter.