Mookie Betts led the Los Angeles Dodgers to an extra-innings win against the Miami Marlins and made MLB history along the way by breaking the record for most multi-home run games from the leadoff spot.
Betts’ first homer in the series opener at loanDepot Park came was a two-run shot to give the Dodgers a lead in the seventh inning. He then hit a solo homer to tie the game in the ninth. Betts went on to add an RBI double in the 10th inning, finishing with four hits.
Betts now holds the MLB record for most multi-homer games from the leadoff spot with 20. The record previously belonged to Alfonso Soriano. Moreover, Betts has 23 career multi-home run games, of which four have come this season.
Overall this year, he enters play Saturday batting .278/.348/.547 with 27 doubles, 29 home runs and 66 RBI. Aside from a brief stint on the 10-day injured list because of a rib fracture, the 29-year-old has been healthy in a welcomed change from last season.
Betts has also made several spectacular plays in right field along the way as he vies for a sixth career Gold Glove Award. One of his impressive grabs came earlier this week on a running catch in deep right field against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Tony Gonsolin immediately threw his arms up in the air to show his appreciation and did a Superman gesture as Betts jogged toward the dugout.
“I feel like every time the ball is hit out there, something crazy is going to happen,” Gonsolin said after the win. “Mookie is obviously a great outfielder, so tried to do a little ‘Super Mook’ action. It was awesome to see that.”
Mookie Betts sparking Dodgers lineup
The Dodgers lineup features plenty of depth and contributions throughout, but Betts, Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman have formed an imposing trio at the top.
“Mookie has reached them,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of expectations for Betts. “I think that he’s just continued to be a spark plug, getting on base, getting hits. He’s going to always want more; I think all great players do.”
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