The Los Angeles Dodgers broke out the bats for an 11-3 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday, receiving two home runs from Teoscar Hernández.
Just one night after providing the game-winning double in the series opener, Hernández began the scoring with a second-inning home run off Nestor Cortes. The 31-year-old notched his second RBI of the night on a groundout in the sixth.
Then in his final at-bat, Hernández gave the Dodgers a commanding six-run lead with a grand slam off Tommy Kahnle. The veteran outfielder finished 2-for-4 with a walk and game-high six RBI.
After the game, Hernández explained that he enjoys big moments and playing in marquee matchups, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
“I do, honestly,” Hernández said with a smile when asked if he enjoys hitting in big spots. “I just want to face good teams. The Yankees are having a really, really good season, like always. I like it.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Hernández has a knack for the spotlight:
“This is what he signed up for,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He talked about looking forward to this series and playing in Yankee Stadium. There’s certain guys that the moment doesn’t get too big. I talk about that a lot. … I don’t know if it’s winter ball, being a veteran, I don’t know if he played in the [World Baseball Classic], but he likes it, and he can certainly temper that heartbeat in a big moment.”
Hernández signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers during the offseason and has been one of the team’s most productive bats this year.
Through 66 games, Hernández is hitting .262/.331/.500 with 13 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs and 47 RBI in 279 plate appearances.
Hernández’s 47 RBI are tied for sixth in baseball this season. Of that total, 35 have come with runners in scoring position, which are the 11th most.
Teoscar Hernández expected thrilling game with Yankees
After his game-winning hit on Friday, Hernández said he expected a tough matchup with the Yankees, who entered the series with the best record in the Majors.
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