The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a series win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday behind Teoscar Hernández’s go-ahead, three-run homer in the sixth inning.
It was an encouraging sign for the 32-year-old, who has struggled at the plate since returning from the 10-day injured list last month.
“Really good. Especially since I put the team in front,” Hernández said of his big hit.
“I’ve been working really hard, battling every at-bat, trying to get good pitches to hit, have great at-bats. Obviously they haven’t been there, but just trying to do the best that I can right now and trying to get that feeling I had before I got injured.”
Since returning from the injured list last month, Hernández is batting just .173/.218/.309 with five doubles, two home runs and 13 RBI over 21 games.
While Hernández noted his “body feels really good” and he’s not feeling any lingering effects of the groin strain/adductor injury, it’s still been a challenge to get back to form after missing time.
“It’s hard to take the timing, pitch selection and trying to do things between, battling in middle of games, every at-bat,” he explained.
“Especially when I have three guys in front of me that get on base a lot, so every time I go up there it feels huge for the game and team. I’m going to try to keep doing my best to put the ball in play.”
Teoscar Hernández happy for series win over Padres
With a 5-2 win in their rubber match against the Padres, the Dodgers remained atop the National League West standings.
“It feels good, especially because they are really close in the standings,” Hernández said of the team increasing their lead. “Every win against any team is important.”
The Dodgers and Padres meet again next week for a four-game series at Dodger Stadium.
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