Tuesday marked the official end of an abbreviated Spring Training for the Los Angeles Dodgers after closing out a three-game Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels.

Some noteworthy pitching appearances were made by Bobby Miller, Tommy Kahnle, Brusdar Graterol, and recent acquisition and eight-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel, among others. Unfortunately, the Angels took the series 2-1, but the Dodgers rallied in the final game and shut out the Halos 5-0, as they fine-tuned their roster.

Finally, fans can begin preparing for the long regular season that kicks off Friday, April 8. For the Boys in Blue, that adjusted start means they will be traveling to Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, to face the Rockies to get the weekend underway at 1:10 pm PST.

As many are aware, it has been a grueling offseason devoid of the usual news that kept baseball supporters sated until the start of Spring Training. Despite the changes to the original home opener, initially scheduled for March 31 before it had to be canceled, many fans are just happy to have a season after the 99-day MLB lockout.

The players that made the regular-season roster are gearing up to bring their talent to the field, while the rest of us are dusting off our Dodgers’ apparel. Even though the season formally commences in a couple of days, fans have at least a week to prepare to represent in style at Dodger Stadium.

The home opener is scheduled for a rare evening start after the frenzied shuffling that had to be done to begin the season mostly on time. Usually, the Los Angeles-faithful have to take a day off work for Opening Day’s early afternoon game. However, with the 7:10 pm PST game time on April 14, it should be a bit easier for many to make the pilgrimage to Dodger Stadium. They will still have to leave earlier than normal to navigate the chaotic LA traffic, but that is a small price to pay to see their team play live.

For all of the loyal fans patiently, or not so patiently, waiting for Opening Day – we are officially in the homestretch. Some got to whet their appetite with the Freeway series exhibition, but for everyone else, it is almost time! What time, you ask?

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