The Los Angeles Dodgers showed how potent their offense can be with a two-out, seven-run outburst in the fifth inning of their 13-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday. Jason Heyward capped off the rally with a two-run homer — his first with the team.
“It was nice. Nice to be a part of that inning,” Heyward said after the win. “Us battling back, two outs right there, putting a lot of good at-bats together with intention and making something happen.”
Heyward was one of three Dodgers to hit home runs against the Rockies despite strong wind gusts being a factor during the game. “It was a tough one. Obviously I played at Wrigley for the last seven years, played in San Francisco a bunch, but we’re out here in the mountains,” he began.
“Not a lot of buildings to block that, so it was kind of tough. Paying attention to the big flags in center field, but also field level, noticing there was a bunch of different wind. A lot of communication pitch to pitch, making sure we did what we had to do to catch the ball.”
Heyward has found early success at the plate this year after an offseason in which he worked to transform his swing. “I think most importantly it’s important to get results because it helps the team,” he explained.
“So to me, that’s the biggest thing. But day in and day out, stay with it one day at a time, one at-bat at a time. Nice to get results, but nice be in that moment with the group.”
Jason Heyward enjoying reunion with Freddie Freeman
After Heyward’s home run, his longtime teammate Freddie Freeman was spotted in the dugout smiling and dancing. “I didn’t see it. We definitely don’t take it for granted,” Heyward said getting to play with Freeman again.
“Nine years apart from us being able to share the field together, be on the same lineup card, so moments like that are really cool for us. Especially his dance.”
Freeman was instrumental in the Dodgers signing Heyward to a Minor League contract during the offseason, and he regularly raved about the veteran outfielder’s work to improve his swing.
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