Since making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, Will Smith has had a knack for coming through in the clutch.
That again was evident this year when he hit a walk-off home run against the San Francisco Giants on July 20, which the DodgerBlue.com staff ranked No. 7 on the list of best Dodgers plays from the 2021 season.
Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers were down to their final three outs when Giants reliever Tyler Rogers began the inning by walking Chris Taylor and Matt Beaty on a combined nine pitches.
With the tying and go-ahead runs on base, Smith entered the game as a pinch-hitter and took an 0-1 fastball from Rogers as he struggled to find a feel for his pitches.
Smith then connected on the next pitch for his second career walk-off home run to give the Dodgers an 8-6 win. “Just trying to get a pitch I could drive and hit.” Smith said of the at-bat. “The 0-0 was actually a pretty good pitch to hit, and I took it.”
Smith’s first walk-off home run came on June 1, 2019 against the Philadelphia Phillies, which marked only the fourth game of his big league career.
THE PRINCE. pic.twitter.com/e9aqWzsca7
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2021
While that marks the end of his home runs in walk-off fashion, the 26-year-old has continued making an impact with his bat late in games.
After squandering a 4-0 lead against the New York Mets on Aug. 13 of this past season, Smith helped put the Dodgers back on top with a solo home run to lead off the top of the 10th.
Then on the following day, Smith hit a game-tying solo home run in the seventh inning that led to another comeback victory for the Dodgers.
Top Dodgers plays from 2021
No. 7: Will Smith walk-off home run vs. Giants
No. 8: Mookie Betts catch and throw for double play against Pirates
No. 9: Trea Turner scores from first base on infield single
No. 10: Justin Turner, World Series ring ceremony
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
