Freddie Freeman broke a franchise record and the Los Angeles Dodgers hit three home runs to come away with an 8-5 win over the Washington Nationals in the series opener at Nationals Park.
Hours after being reinstated from the 10-day injured list, J.D. Martinez hit a home run to give Emmet Sheehan a 2-0 lead before he threw a single pitch. That was short-lived, however, as Sheehan gave up a three-run homer to Keibert Ruiz in the bottom of the first inning.
The homer was Ruiz’s fourth in four games against the Dodgers this season.
Max Muncy pulled L.A. even in the third inning with a mammoth shot that reached the third deck in right field. Kiké Hernández then hit a solo homer as well in the third as well.
Welcome back, Just Dingers! pic.twitter.com/rLVleIwPd5
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 8, 2023
Max to the top deck. 😳 pic.twitter.com/9YneFReYnp
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 9, 2023
OK, KIKÉ. pic.twitter.com/cgBTQBrrUL
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 9, 2023
Doubles King, Freddie Freeman. pic.twitter.com/mJrtQB4Bhj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 9, 2023
After the Dodgers again fell behind, they rallied to put together a four-run sixth inning.
It started with a two-run double from Chris Taylor, and included a sacrifice fly from Martinez with the bases loaded and Muncy’s RBI single.
Taylor was a key catalyst for the Dodgers in the leadoff spot of their lineup while Mookie Betts sat because of what a CT scan revealed to be a bone bruise in his left foot.
Meanwhile, Freeman, Muncy and Hernández each had multiple hits in the win. One of Freeman’s hits was his 53rd double of the season, breaking a tie with Johnny Frederick for most in Dodgers franchise history in a single season.
Dodgers pitching
Sheehan allowed five runs in just 4.1 innings but was backed by spotless work from the Dodgers bullpen.
Alex Vesia recorded five outs, and Victor González, Ryan Brasier and Evan Phillips each pitched one inning. The save was Phillips’ 22nd of the season.
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