The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their road trip with a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, propelled by Albert Pujols’ pinch-hit, game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning.
“Definitely do what I did. Just try to get a good pitch to hit and find a hole somewhere,” the future Hall of Famer answered when asked what he looked for during the crucial at-bat.
“You think you have to hit the ball out of the ballpark, but you don’t. You just have to have a good at-bat and put the ball in play, hopefully get a base hit.”
Since signing with the Dodgers in May, Pujols has received most of his opportunities as a pinch-hitter, which prior to the 2021 season was unfamiliar territory for him.
Pujols nonetheless has found success in his new role as he is batting .406 with two home runs and 10 RBI over 37 plate appearances as a pinch-hitter with L.A.
“I got my routine that I have every day,” Pujols said of how he prepares himself to come off the bench.
“I smell it a little bit when I think I’m going to get in the game, and I get myself loose and get ready to play. I come to the ballpark every day, whether I’m not in the lineup or playing, ready to play because you never know.
“The last thing you want to do is just sit on the bench, especially in cold weather like this. I was up and down, running a little bit, getting loose, doing my routine that I normally do every day when I’m not in the lineup.”
Roberts: ‘Huge’ to have Pujols on Dodgers bench
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Pujols for his ability to give the club a professional at-bat in any situation.
“It’s huge. He’s been a lefty killer and is on the roster for that reason, but the bottom line is when guys are in scoring position, he knows how to drive in a run regardless of handedness,” Roberts said.
“He had a plan going into that at-bat. I’ve lost count of how many RBI he’s driven in during his career, but there’s a heartbeat component and approach component. That’s why I trust him in virtually any spot.”
Roberts also has been pleased with how quickly Pujols is adjusting to his bench role. “I think even for him the role each day slowed down. I think he really understands his role,” Roberts said.
“Even when he first came on board, he was playing more because we weren’t as healthy. Now it’s a defined kind of role for him, so he’s understanding the rhythm of how he gets prepared and ready for each at-bat.
“So I think it’s a little bit easier for him. Coming off the bench and taking an at-bat is still one of the most difficult things to do in sports.”
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