The Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals began their series with a tightly-contested matchup that came down to the final play of the game to determine the outcome.
The Dodgers had a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning when Tanner Scott entered for the save attempt. He started the appearance by striking out Bobby Witt Jr., but the next three Royals batters reached to load the bases and put the tying and go-ahead runners on base with just the one out.
With top Royals prospect Jac Caglianone at the plate, Scott got him to hit a ground ball to Tommy Edman, which was tossed to Mookie Betts for the second out of the inning. Betts then threw the ball to first base, but it was in the dirt just in front of Freddie Freeman, forcing him to make a tough play.
Freeman bailed out Betts by picking the ball while falling over to complete the double play and finish off the game with the Dodgers’ lead still in tact.
After the narrow win, Betts gave credit to Freeman over at first base, via SportsNet LA:
“Freddie does a really good over there. All I’ve got to do is throw it in the vicinity, and he always catches it.”
Max Muncy, who has also spent time at first base in his career, was among those to praise Freeman for his game-saving defensive highlight as well:
“Incredible. I don’t know how he did that one. That was really cool.”
Scott additionally chimed in to rave about Freeman after recording his 18th save of the season:
“Freddie is pretty good. I mean, he’s got a Gold Glove for a reason. He’s a special player.”
Freeman has seen his defense drop off a bit this year as he deals with less mobility due to his ankle injury, but on balls close to him, he remains as sure-handed as any first baseman in baseball.
And even with his lack of range, Freeman still grades out well as one of the better defensive first baseman in baseball.
Freddie Freeman hopes to start All-Star Game in Atlanta
The Atlanta Braves are hosting the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, and Freeman is in strong position to be among those representing the Dodgers.
That possibility comes with added sentimental value for Freeman due to beginning his career with the Braves and becoming a franchise cornerstone before signing with the Dodgers in 2022. Moving on from the Braves initially was a struggle for Freeman and he was emotional upon returning to Atlanta.
Taking all of that into account, Freeman said he would be all the more appreciative to start in the 2025 All-Star Game.
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