The Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back from being shut out with one of their best offensive performances of the season in a 14-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Freddie Freeman led the way with four hits and a game-high five RBI.
The 2020 National League MVP began his day with an RBI double in the first inning, and followed that with a three-run homer in the top of the second. The blast was Freeman’s fourth of the season but first since April 24.
The Dodgers put another four-run inning together in the sixth, which again started with Freeman driving in Mookie Betts on a double. The five-time All-Star ended his night with a single in the seventh.
Freeman, who had struggled over the past week, credited his father for helping him correct his swing, via SportsNet LA:
“I think I got a little too big the last couple games. I talked to my dad yesterday and he said, ‘It looks like you’re swinging too hard.’ I said, ‘I think you’re right subconsciously.’ So I went back to it, and it’s amazing what happens when you don’t try and do too much. I felt good, so hopefully I can continue it.”
Prior to his big game against the Diamondbacks, Freeman had been mired in a 3-for-23 slump dating back to May 21.
The 32-year-old has impressed in his first season with the Dodgers, batting .312/.399/.500 with an MLB-best 18 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBI over 198 plate appearances (44 games).
Freeman enjoyed playing in front of father at Petco Park
During the Dodgers’ series against the San Diego Padres last month, Freeman had an opportunity to play in front of his father, who sat next to the dugout. They shared a high-five after Freeman homered.
“It was nice. When I went into the dugout and I looked left, I see him sitting there, I was like, oh no,” Freeman said at the time.
“I told Doc, ‘Man, I’ve got to really play well today or my dad is going to be mad, and I’m going to see him mad at me.’ It was nice. Those little moments for my family and I are the things that make it all worth it.”
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
