The Los Angeles Dodgers far and away exceeded expectations with their World Series ring ceremony, tying in the franchise’s history while recognizing those who were part of an unprecedented 2020 season.
The home opener marked the first time Mookie Betts got a chance to be greeted by fans at Dodger Stadium as a member of the Dodgers, though it was only during the pregame ceremony. Betts missed a second consecutive game and remains day-to-day due to lower back stiffness.
While Betts received a warm welcoming, the loudest cheers were reserved for Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Julio Urias. “That was awesome. From the dugout I couldn’t really tell, but it looked like he was getting a little emotional, which he should,” Turner said of Kershaw.
“So happy for him, obviously. That’s why I kept my glasses on. I didn’t want to let anyone see me getting emotional underneath there.”
What a moment. @ClaytonKersh22 gets his World Series ring! pic.twitter.com/WOsunWglGW
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 9, 2021
JT! 🙌💍 pic.twitter.com/0ZwqK9vFXV
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 9, 2021
The sweet sound of the Dodger stadium crowd for @redturn2's solo 💣. pic.twitter.com/RtwkD2DXcn
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 9, 2021
As for the series opener against the Washington Nationals, Walker Buehler got through six scoreless innings, exited with a lead and earned a win thanks to Turner’s solo home run. The blast to left-center field in the bottom of the sixth was the Dodgers’ third hit of the game — each of which belonged to Turner.
“Outside of Clayton hitting a homer to win it, Justin, all that went in this past winter, the uncertainty, so for him to come back here and homer on the home opener when we got presented our rings, very fitting,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Victor Gonzalez was first out of the Dodgers’ bullpen, followed by Blake Treinen and Corey Knebel. They threw a scoreless inning each, with Knebel striking out the side in the ninth inning.
Dodgers put Bellinger on injured list
In addition to Betts missing the Dodgers’ home opener, Cody Bellinger also was not in the lineup. He is now guaranteed to be out at least until Friday because the team decided to place Bellinger on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 6) due to a left calf contusion.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
