Mookie Betts provided a go-ahead single in the opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ doubleheader against the Miami Marlins and then hit two home runs to help the team earn a series win on LeBron James bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.
“It’s cool. As long as we win, I don’t really care who does it,” Betts said of his performance. “The most important thing is winning. These are the days where you really have to lock it in mentally, because you know you’re going to be tired physically.
“No excuse. Everybody is out there at the same time. As long as we come out with some wins, that’s all I care about.”
James was at Dodger Stadium for the nightcap, sitting in a suite along with his wife Savannah, their sons LeBron “Bronny” Jr. and Bryce Maximus, and daughter Zhuri Nova.
Betts, who delivered his 28th career multi-homer game and fifth such performance this season, pointed toward James after each blast. “Yeah,” Betts answered when asked if the salute was spur of the moment. “I didn’t think about it until then. He’s done it during his games, so I returned the favor.”
Betts and James are two of the most prominent athletes in their respective sports, and naturally have a friendship. “We’ve met a couple times and talked a few times. He’s just a normal person,” Betts explained.
Betts is now up to 34 home runs this season, which is one short of tying a career high that was set last year. “I’m surprised, but also not. I work so hard, man. I work really hard to be where I am now,” Betts said.
“And I’m going to continue to work hard. I just kind of take it in stride. Whenever it comes, it comes. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. I don’t really pay attention to the numbers. I just want to win. That’s all I care about.”
Dave Roberts: Mookie Betts wanted to ‘show out’ in front of LeBron James
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes Betts found extra motivation at the plate with James in attendance. “I think that was intentional. I do. Hitting a baseball is harder than anything, but I just think Mookie had another gear tonight to show out,” Roberts said.
“We were all beneficiaries and it was fun to watch him and LeBron. Two great ones. It was a lot of fun.”
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