Mookie Betts twice almost hit a leadoff home run against Alex Wood in the first inning on Saturday, then did manage to connect for a solo shot in the third that broke a scoreless tie and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers earn a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.
That also gave Betts 200 career home runs, his 22nd on the season and second of the series at Dodger Stadium. Although it was a personal milestone of sorts, Betts was hardly impressed or moved to care about the benchmark.
“No, not at all,” answered Betts when asked if he saw any significance with reaching 200 career home runs. “Just got to keep on rolling. We won the game, that’s all that matters.”
The 29-year-old is one away from tying last season’s home run total and 11 from setting a new career high.
Betts’ latest homer came two days after he helped ignite the offense with a home run and sealed a win on game-ending diving catch. Betts also stole a base in between those contributions, but downplayed the all-around performance as well.
“Five tools. What he does day-in and day-out, you guys saw what he did at the All-Star Game, just a special person being able to do those kind of things and standing up for what he believes in,” Freddie Freeman said of Betts.
“Then go out and show what he does on the field. I’ve been able to see 22 home runs, and I’ve seen a few from the visiting side too, but I’m looking forward to watching the next 200 of his also.”
Betts, Turner & Freeman accomplish first with Dodgers
Betts’ home run was followed by Trea Turner driving a solo shot out to center field, marking a fifth time the Dodgers have gone back-to-back this season. Freeman added onto the lead with a solo home run of his own in the sixth inning.
Saturday marked the first time Betts, Turner and Freeman each hit a home run for the Dodgers in the same game.
“I wish I did it in the inning they hit it in,” Freeman said. “Mookie has been swinging the bat well. It’s Julio’s and Mookie’s night. Mookie with 200 homers is pretty special. It was just a good overall day for us. Good baseball game.”
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