The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t have their first baserunner against Kyle Freeland until the fifth inning, but they still broke through for a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Independence Day.
Justin Turner’s one-out single in the fifth inning lit the spark for fireworks before Chris Taylor followed with a walk. Trayce Thompson then lined a go-ahead, three-run home run to left field to give L.A. their first lead of the game, and they didn’t look back.
It was Thompson’s latest clutch hit since coming over to the Dodgers in a trade with the Detroit Tigers last month. “Honestly, my at-bats have been inconsistent. I’ve had some results in some big moments, but I feel like I’ve been a really good spark,” Thompson said after the game.
“Obviously Triple-A is different from the big leagues, but I think there’s a lot more in the tank. I’ve had some good conversations with Freddie and honestly with this guy. If you want an honest assessment of how you are, ask 22. He’ll tell you.
“We were talking the other night, and he’s the best. I aspire to be like that. I feel like there’s a lot of room for improvement but I feel like the quality of at-bat has been decent.”
Thompson revealed that Clayton Kershaw told him to stop chasing so many pitches out of the strike zone. “I mean, I knew that. But it’s good to hear it, especially from him,” Thompson said.
“His word carries a lot of weight in here and in this sport. And he’s one of my closest friends in this locker room. He’s meant a lot to me any time I’ve had this uniform on and even when I’ve been in other places. We’ve always kept close.”
Kershaw isn’t the only Dodger who has helped Thompson improve his game in recent weeks. The 31-year-old recently noted he has benefitted from watching Freddie Freeman’s approach at the plate.
In 13 games with the Dodgers, Thompson is hitting an excellent .286/.342/.543 with three doubles, two home runs and eight RBI over 38 plate appearances.
Thompson ‘appreciative’ of first Dodger Stadium home run in six years
Thompson’s home run on the Fourth of July was his first at Dodger Stadium since July 3, 2016, almost exactly six years to the day. “It’s crazy. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a day game against the Rockies. Six years has gone by really fast,” Thompson said.
“It’s always special to wear this uniform, so I’m just very appreciative and very blessed to be here. Trying to make the most of every opportunity.”
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