Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Kiké Hernandez had a memorable night on Saturday, leading his team to a thrilling come-from-behind victory, driving in the game-tying runs in the ninth and tenth before scoring the winning run in the eleventh. But the game held special significance for Hernandez beyond the obvious excitement of a win, as it marked his 10th year of service in Major League Baseball. Commenting on the milestone after the game, he shared, “It’s been a day of a lot of reflection. This game is such a grind, such a long season. It’s hard to sit back and appreciate what you’ve done or what the game has done for you.”
Hernandez’s performance on the field was stellar, especially considering the emotional weight of the day. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family, who helped him cherish the milestone. “My wife, my parents, my sisters did a really good job this morning of making sure that I enjoyed today and made sure that this day was a special one,” he said. “It’s funny how things work… playing against (the Red Sox, his former club), it’s a really beautiful thing.”
The climax of the game came when Hernandez faced off against his former teammate, Kenley Jansen. With a history of playing behind Jansen, Hernandez was familiar with the pitcher’s tactics. Recalling a previous encounter, he said, “The whole way back to the dugout, he was yelling at me to keep cheating to the cutter. There’s no mystery to what Kenley’s trying to do.” This time, Hernandez seized the opportunity, connecting with a pitch that resulted in a pivotal hit for the Dodgers. “He gave me one to handle and I didn’t miss it,” Hernandez recounted of his game-tying homer in the bottom of the ninth.
As he rounded the bases amidst the deafening cheers of Dodger Stadium, Hernandez reflected on the significance of the moment. “I was just kind of like a little bit of a blackout and enjoying the moment,” he admitted. This night of personal and professional triumph highlighted Hernandez’s resilience and determination, leaving fans eager to see what he will achieve next.
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