Mookie Betts hitting a leadoff home run was a welcomed sight but by the end of Saturday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, an ill-fated stolen base attempt in the 11th inning was just as much of a focal point.
With one out and runners at the corners, Betts broke for second base as the Dodgers looked to build on their 5-3 lead. He was easily thrown out, and Corey Seager then went down swinging.
“It kind of seemed like a tougher matchup for Seager right there, so I just tried to get to second to stay out of a double play,” Betts explained after the loss. “They made a good play, good throw and good tag. Hindsight, obviously I would probably stay at first.”
The Dodgers were mired in a second three-game losing streak in the past week and had dropped 10 of their past 13 games. The skid effectively wiped away what was an impressive 13-2 start as the Dodgers now are tied with the San Diego Padres for second place in the National League West standings.
“Obviously a little frustration, but we understand it’s a long season and we can get it back rolling,” Betts said. “But we can’t keep wasting time. It’s kind of two fold. It is a long season, but also you have to be there for each and every game, and we haven’t been lately.”
Betts was among the Dodgers who stressed the need for a nightly focus as defending champions. He reasoned L.A. has long had a target on their backs anyhow and that would only be magnified coming off a World Series win. It was a challenge Betts said he embraced and preferred.
Roberts comfortable with Betts’ attempt
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the stolen base attempt came on Betts’ discretion, which he was accepting of but noted, “Just didn’t get a great jump.”
Roberts added: “He’s got a great feel for the game. If he’s safe, there’s nothing said about it. He’s got a very good feel for the game.”
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