The Los Angeles Dodgers have collectively been mired in an offensive slump for multiple weeks, but there have been encouraging performances for some during that span, with AJ Pollock among them.
Pollock got off to a slow start, not only lacking results but also struggling to make quality contact. That’s changed of late, culminating with a two-home run performance in the Dodgers’ rout of the Milwaukee Brewers in the series finale at American Family Field.
Pollock hit a grand slam and set a career high with eight RBI. He finished one shy of tying a Dodgers franchise record shared by Gil Hodges and James Loney.
“It was big for us, especially getting up early. Being able to play with a lead, I think as a team we needed to be able to breathe a little bit,” Pollock said. “It’s been a rough couple weeks for us.
“We know it’s going to turn, but yeah, it was nice to play a game where we can have some fun out there and get some separation.”
On a more personal level, Pollock is benefitting from recent work to his swing. “A couple things I dialed in mechanically have felt really good,” he explained. “I just feel like I’m in good positions to hit right now.
“I felt like early on — especially the first series — just wasn’t in the right spot. I was kind of grinding through a couple other series but was able to piece together some at-bats. It’s been a process. I feel like I’m in a good spot right now, for sure.”
Pollock, Beaty make Dodgers history
With Pollock tallying eight RBI and Matt Beaty contributing seven, it marked the first time in Dodgers franchise history that two players drove in at least seven runs in the same game. Beaty’s total was buoyed by his first career grand slam.
“He was getting on base all day and he did clear the bases that one time in front of me. I’m happy for him,” Pollock said. “He’s been swinging a good bat for us. It was good to see the offense do what they did today.”
The Dodgers avoided being swept by the Brewers and though the offensive onslaught was a welcomed development, Pollock stopped short of saying the win would generate momentum heading into a series with the Chicago Cubs.
“Hopefully. We’ll see what happens. It’s good to know we have it in there,” he said. “You go game after game, you’re getting one or two runs, to have that explosion, I think just knowing we have that in the bag, any day we can explode like that, is a good mindset. We’ll see.
“Every day is different. Got to have fun with this one but turn the page and get after it [Monday].”
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