The Los Angeles Dodgers advancing to the National League Championship Series not only solidified a rematch with the Atlanta Braves, but also a fourth time they would see Joc Pederson this year.
Pederson spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Dodgers and helped the organization win the 2020 World Series before reaching free agency. In search of a larger role, he ultimately signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.
Pederson faced the Dodgers twice as a member of the Cubs and once more after being traded to the Braves in July. The 29-year-old is now playing against his former team for the time in the postseason.
After going 1-for-4 in the series opener, Pederson continued swinging a hot bat with a game-tying homer off Max Scherzer in Game 2. But it didn’t come with added satisfaction considering it was against the Dodgers.
“Not really. I think that this is a lot bigger than me,” Pederson answered when asked if he is playing with extra motivation.
“This is 26 of us pulling and have one common goal. Obviously I’ve been a part of the Dodgers for a long time and they’re a really good team and organization, but right now they’re in the way of our common goal so we kind of have to do whatever we can to win ballgames.”
Pederson finished with the one homer in three at-bats, but nearly added a second to his total in the second inning when a long drive off Scherzer hooked foul. “Just looking for a pitch over the plate,” Pederson said after the game.
“They have really good pitching and don’t make too many mistakes, so just trying to capitalize on the opportunities that are presented.”
Roberts: Dodgers face challenge with slowing down ‘Joctober’ in NLCS
Pederson, known for his October heroics with the Dodgers, has picked up where he left off in Atlanta. The 29-year-old hit .429 with two home runs and five RBI in four games against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series.
“Gosh, we’ll see,” answered Dodgers manager Dave Roberts when asked if familiarity will help the team find success against Pederson and his ‘Joctober’ roll.
“I think it’s real. He’s always come up with big hits in October. He’s going to be tough. We’re going to have to find a way to get him out.”
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