The Los Angeles Dodgers broke out the bats in Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics, extending their wining streak to five games.
The club tallied double-digit hits for a second consecutive contest, receiving home runs from Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Edwin Rios.
After a disappointing spring and slow start to the regular season, Rios produced his first multi-hit game of the season. “I’m feeling better each day. Just little things here and there, maybe pressing a little bit. Stuff happens,” he said.
“Just good to get a couple hits. Now I’ll move forward, keep having good at-bats and good things will happen.”
Rios, known for his powerful left-handed bat, went homer-less in Cactus League play. Finally getting on the board with his first home run of the year was a sigh of relief.
“I believe so. Just feeling better each day and working with our hitting coaches, obviously talking to my pops. Just putting things together,” he reiterated.
With one of the deepest lineups in baseball, the Dodgers are already showing they will be among the league’s best offenses this season. Rios believes he’ll be able to feed off some of his teammates’ success.
“Of course. It’s what they say: hitting is contagious,” Rios said. “The guys are doing a great job. I talk to the hitting coaches, and biggest thing for me is just having good at-bats. If I can do that and control the strike zone, I’m going to be in a really good spot.”
Rios ready for any opportunity after productive offseason
Despite not having a set role, Rios previously mentioned he will be ready for any opportunity that comes his way. “I know I’m going to get opportunities,” he said in February. “That’s all I can ask for. Just take advantage of those when I get them.”
Through five games, Rios is batting .231/.375/.462 with one home run in 16 plate appearances. Three of his appearances have come in the form of starts (two at third base, one at first base).
Rios is looking to build on an impressive 2020 season that saw him produce a .946 on-base plus slugging in 32 games.
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