Saenz got what he expected

MILWAUKEE —  Olmedo Saenz watched Elmer Dessens pitch in 59 games for the Dodgers the last three years. So the fact that Dessens wore a different uniform Wednesday didn’t mean he’d pitch differently.

Saenz, pinch-hitting for reliever Jonathan Broxton, expected a slider on a one-and-one count from the Milwaukee Brewers reliever, got it, and drilled a two-run double in the eighth inning that keyed the Dodgers’ 5-4 victory.

“I know him, so I had a better idea what he throws, the kind of pitch and in what situation,” Saenz said. “I still had to put a good swing on it.”

Dessens was traded late in spring training for outfielder Brady Clark. He retired the three hitters after Saenz, but the second out was a sacrifice fly by Matt Kemp that proved to be the winning run.

“We needed to get the first win out of the way,” Saenz said. “Now we can relax.”

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Because the parking lot at Dodger Stadium is certain to sell out for Monday’s home opener, the Dodgers are offering a deal for cars carrying at least four fans that park in Lot 15 and have tickets to the game.

Each passenger will receive a free ticket to a future game if they arrive at Dodger Stadium between 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. via the Academy Gate across from the Police Academy. The offer applies to the first 600 cars.

Additionally, parking at lots on Stadium Way near the LAFD Training Facility will cost $5.

The game against the Colorado Rockies will be preceded by a 30-minute concert by 17-year-old country artist Taylor Swift. Former Dodgers second baseman Steve Sax will throw out the first pitch.

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Mike Lieberthal is scheduled to make his first start Saturday, catching Derek Lowe against the San Francisco Giants.... Reliever Rudy Seanez was a non-roster invitee to spring training, but he is guaranteed a $700,000 salary because he made the opening-day roster. . . . Dodgers bench coach Dave Jauss was asked to manage Licey in the Dominican Winter League because it will mark the 100th anniversary of the team. Jauss led Licey to the Caribbean Series title in 1999. Dodgers first base coach Mariano Duncan will be Jauss’ bench coach. . . . Clark did not start despite having gone 10 for 30 with two home runs against Brewers starter Jeff Suppan.

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