The Los Angeles Dodgers scored a season-high 10 runs in Sunday’s win over the San Diego Padres, led by home runs from Cody Bellinger and Freddie Freeman.
Bellinger had his first multi-home run game since Aug. 11, 2021, and the 14th of his career, which is the most by any player in Dodgers franchise history through their age-26 season.
Freeman also hit his third home run of the season, which extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0 in the third inning. After the blast, Freeman went over to his father, who was sitting next to the dugout, to give him a high-five.
“It was nice. When I went into the dugout and I looked left, I see him sitting there, I was like, oh no,” Freeman said after the game.
“I told Doc, ‘Man, I’ve got to really play well today or my dad is going to be mad, and I’m going to see him mad at me.’ It was nice. Those little moments for my family and I are the things that make it all worth it.”
Freeman revealed his father attended all three games at Petco Park and thanked Dodgers director of team travel Scott Akasaki for getting him to the side of the dugout. “He was actually there all three games, just in different little areas,” Freeman explained.
“This time he was right on the dugout, so I’ve got to thank Scott Akasaki for that one. It’s just nice to have him there and be able to share that moment.”
Freeman’s two-run homer earned him more “Freddie” chants from the Dodgers fans who traveled south to San Diego. That has been a common occurrence in both home and away games this season.
“When you’re in Southern California the Dodgers travel real well. I know that,” Freeman said. “There were multiple times when I was with the Braves where they would sell out a whole section to be theirs. I know the Dodgers travel real well. Heard it again the second at-bat and luckily was able to come through.”
Freeman details friendship with Kimbrel
Freeman’s father also had a chance to catch up with Craig Kimbrel, whose families go back from the time they were teammates with the Atlanta Braves. “I did see that,” Freeman answered when asked if he saw his father talking to Kimbrel.
“Craig and I and my family go way back. We went to Craig’s wedding and all that, so my family and his family know each other a whole lot. Once you get to know Craig, he likes to talk to people. My dad and him both like to share conversation, so that was good to see.”
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