The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded the unofficial first half of the 2018 regular season on a strong note, defeating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 5-3, in the finale of the three-game Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead but saw that advantage evaporate on one swing by Angels first baseman Jefry Marte, who tied it with a three-run home run off Clayton Kershaw in the fourth inning.
It would remain evened up until the seventh, when super utilityman Kiké Hernandez delivered a clutch, go-ahead solo home run that ultimately solidified another victory for Los Angeles.
The blast marked Hernandez’s 16th of the season, which is already five more than his previous career-high of 11 in 2017. He finished the game with two of the Dodgers’ five RBI while additionally turning in defensive gems at second base and right field.
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Hernandez for his contributions on both sides of the diamond and deemed him one of the club’s first-half MVPs, via SportsNet LA:
“I was asked about the MVP or stars of the first half, and he’s right there for our team MVP up to this point. The flexibility that he gives us on the defensive side and he’s a plus-defender everywhere. He’s made highlight-reel plays all first half. And with the bat, big homer [Sunday]. His energy. It seems like every time he’s in there, something good happens.”
As Roberts notes, Hernandez’s ability to thrive at multiple defensive positions gives the Dodgers tremendous leeway when constructing lineups for different matchups.
The 26-year-old has already appeared at seven different positions this season, including center field, where he has received most of his reps in lieu of Chris Taylor, who shifted to shortstop after Corey Seager underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Moreover, Hernandez has bounced back offensively after a somewhat down year in 2017. In addition to his home run surge, he has compiled a solid .473 slugging percentage and 111 OPS+.
All-in-all, Hernandez’s efforts this season has netted him 1.5 WAR (Baseball-Reference), which also marks a career-high with plenty of at-bats still to come in the second half.
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