The Los Angeles Dodgers began the second half of their 2022 schedule with a come-from-behind 9-6 victory over the San Francisco Giants that extended their winning streak to five games.
Mookie Betts had his fingerprints all over the win as he hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the eighth inning and followed that with a game-ending diving catch in right field.
“It was good. We got the win, and that’s the most important thing,” Betts said. “Just trying to do what I can to help the team win. I had to do a couple different things, but God blessed me with those abilities.”
Betts has a tendency to deliver in the clutch but doesn’t want to get too caught up over his home run. “It’s just a game, man. It’s just a game. I’m not putting any emphasis on today,” Betts began.
“It’s a big win for us and like I said, if I come up in those situations, sometimes you come through, sometimes you don’t. You just play the situation as it is and keep it moving.”
When asked where his game-winning catch ranks among his favorite things to do, Betts also kept the focus on the Dodgers. “I don’t know. It’s just a catch, man. Whether it’s at the end of the game or beginning of the game, it’s just a catch,” he said.
“It’s still an out the same way the other 26 were, so I don’t get too excited about those. That’s my job and what I’m supposed to do.”
Roberts & Thompson praise Betts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Betts for his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. “It just showcased you know what a great ballplayer he is,” Roberts said of Betts’ contributions.
“Gosh, I mean he did everything. He showed all his skills with the bat, with the with the legs, with the glove obviously, clutch moment with the big three-run homer. That’s why he’s one of the best in the game.
“So just to kind of cap it off with that play in right field, pretty incredible. Just a great night overall.”
Trayce Thompson, who also came through in the clutch with a game-tying RBI triple, never had a doubt that Betts wouldn’t catch Joc Pederson’s line drive in the ninth.
“Not surprised. The guy is one of the best in the game out there. He gets amazing jumps,” Thompson said of Betts. “Obviously everyone knows how good of a hitter and all-around player he is.
“But as a defender and especially as a guy that has an infield background, it’s pretty incredible. I mean, he has all the accolades you could ever think of. It was pretty fitting. I don’t think any of us were too surprised.”
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