After hitting a two-run, walk-off double against the San Diego Padres on Aug. 4, Max Muncy had a simple message for Los Angeles Dodgers fans: don’t leave games at Dodger Stadium early. Since then, the Dodgers have produced two more walk-off wins.
The latest of which came from Kiké Hernandez lining a game-winning base hit into center field on his bobblehead night. The Dodgers lead the Majors with 12 walk-off wins this season, which is the franchise’s most since the 2012 team also had that many.
The Dodgers’ all-time record is 15, set by the 1974 team.
Including Friday’s series opener against the New York Yankees, this year’s Dodgers have 14 home games remaining. Even if they don’t tie or surpass that record, they have provided fans with several memories.
So much so that the only surprise now is how a walk-off win will come to be. “Like we’ve talked about 12 times, you expect it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“You don’t know who it’s going to be, and I think that even after that walk, [the Blue Jays] felt it. You start having that and it manifests itself, guys want to be in that spot. But again, to be in that spot, to have a chance to be the hero but to take a base hit, take a walk to give another guy an opportunity, that’s what we do very well.”
While the Dodgers have trilled fans, Cody Bellinger reasoned the games have been all the more exciting for players. “No offense,” Bellinger said Thursday, “I think it’s more fun. It’s fun to be a part of that, it’s rare. We’re enjoying every second of it.
“Ninth inning come around, don’t know what happens but we’ve been doing a great job of not giving up. It’s been fun.”
The Dodgers are an MLB-best 51-16 at home and on pace to break a franchise record. The L.A. mark is held by the 2017 team that won 57 games at Dodger Stadium, while the all-time franchise record is 60 wins, set by the 1953 Brooklyn club.
“We’re pretty good at home, I guess. That’s about all I’ve got,” Corey Seager said. “I don’t know if there is anything else to say.”
