Hours removed from providing a go-ahead single, Mookie Betts hit two home runs to help the Los Angeles Dodgers sweep their doubleheader against the Miami Marlins and take the series with a 3-1 win in the nightcap at Dodger Stadium.
The Marlins again were first to strike as Josh Bell hit a solo homer off Julio Urías in the first inning. However, their lead was short-lived as Amed Rosario and Kiké Hernández combined for back-to-back hits in the bottom of the second to tie the game.
Betts then provided his first big swing in the third inning with a go-ahead homer that traveled 402 feet up the pavilion in left-center field. Betts then added onto the Dodgers’ lead with another solo home run in the fifth inning.
It marked his 28th career multi-homer run, and fifth such performance this season.
After both of his home runs, Betts pointed toward Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who was in a Dodger Stadium suite with family members. The Dodgers passed out a LeBron James bobblehead to the first 40,000 fans in attendance.
Betts is now up to 34 home runs this season, which is one short of tying a career high that was set last year. Betts’ 86 RBI have already surpassed his total from last season as he’s remained a dynamic force atop the Dodgers lineup.
The run support he provided was enough for Urías, who blanked the Marlins after Bell’s early homer. Urías got through seven innings for a second consecutive start and struck out five.
Over his past four starts, Urías has pitched to a 1.44 ERA and held opponents to a .184 batting average.
Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Brusdar Graterol handled the ninth to wrap up the Dodgers’ win.
Mookie Betts embracing pressure from Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez
While Betts is a perennial All-Star, his performance and production has seemingly elevated to another level this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attributed some of that to Freddie Freeman’s presence, which Betts agreed with, but also highlighted J.D. Martinez for having an impact as well.
“Being with Freddie the last couple years, he’s definitely taught me not to give away at-bats,” Betts said this week. “But I think the main person is J.D. He’s been the main one to just stay on me, no matter how good or bad I’m playing, how good we’re playing, what the score is. You’ve got to take your at-bat.”
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