The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their series against the Boston Red Sox with a comeback victory led by a solid performance from Lance Lynn and strong offensive contributions from Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy.
For Betts, it was his first time being back in Boston since he was traded to the Dodgers prior to the 2020 season. The 2018 American League MVP admitted he was nervous going into the game, but he received a warm welcome from Red Sox fans.
However, it was the Red Sox who got on the board first when Alex Verdugo, who was part of the Betts trade, homered to lead off the first inning against Lynn. The Red Sox went on to add two more runs in the second inning when Trevor Story homered after Triston Casas singled, putting Boston up 3-0.
That score remained until the sixth when Betts began the inning with a double and Freeman singled. Will Smith then doubled to put L.A. on the board with two runners still on base.
A warm welcome for Mookie. pic.twitter.com/gMb08jhU1i
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 25, 2023
Three-spot to tie the game! pic.twitter.com/FhO6y0iHk6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 26, 2023
Freddie for the lead! pic.twitter.com/loTLcFd3yz
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 26, 2023
Muncy then grounded out to drive in another run and Kiké Hernández, who was also making his return to Boston, singled to tie the game before the inning came to an end.
The Dodgers took the lead in the seventh when Michael Busch and Betts walked before Freeman doubled to go up 4-3. Muncy then doubled to drive in two more runs and put the game somewhat out of reach for the Red Sox.
The Red Sox added a run in the seventh when Justin Turner grounded into a force out, but a throwing error from Muncy allowed Rafael Devers to score. David Peralta provided some insurance in the ninth on a sacrifice fly.
Lynn ended up allowing four runs (three earned) over six innings while Brusdar Graterol pitched 1.2 scoreless, Alex Vesia recorded the final out of the eighth thanks to a baserunning mistake from Connor Wong, who was also involved in the Betts trade, and Evan Phillips earned the save.
Betts, Freeman, Muncy star for Dodgers’ offense
Although Betts only had one hit, he still reached base twice, including a double, and scored two runs. Freeman raised his batting average to .341 this season by going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI, and Muncy went 2-for-5 with three runs driven in.
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