It has been quite the opening three games for the Dodgers. You'd think the highlight of those games would be Clayton Kershaw's seven innings of one-hit ball in a 15-0 victory over the Padres on Monday. Or perhaps the fact the Dodgers shut out the Padres again on Tuesday.

But no, the highlight came on Wednesday. Pitcher Kenta Maeda, signed from Japan in the off-season, hit an improbable solo shot to give the Dodgers a 5-0 lead against the Padres. You can watch it in the video below. But look at the reaction of Maeda, who seems as happy as a little leaguer getting his first hit. And check out how some of his teammates freeze him out in the dugout. That is a sign that Maeda is already a popular figure.

Now, if MLB could be convinced to let the Dodgers play the Padres all 162 games this season, they could clinch a playoff spot by the All-Star break.

Maeda is the first Dodger to homer in his debut since Jose Offerman in 1990.

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