Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — In just his second big league start of the season, Landon Knack took the mound on one of the most meaningful days in baseball—Jackie Robinson Day. Though he didn’t go deep enough to qualify for the win, his 4.1-inning, two-run effort helped set the tone for the Dodgers’ 6–2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Coming off a shaky outing in Washington, Knack was determined to right the ship—and by all accounts, he did just that.
“Just really determined to come out and just kind of attack a little more,” Knack said postgame. “Obviously still had a couple walks in there, but overall just a lot better direction with everything, much better feel coming out of the hand… definitely a lot better feeling.”
Knack credited his recent work with the coaching staff for his improvement, saying the focus all week had been on refining mechanics and approach. “Kind of what I wanted to do at Tech this last week… I think we did a pretty good job of it,” he said.
But Tuesday’s start was about more than just baseball mechanics. Pitching at Dodger Stadium is always special, but doing so on Jackie Robinson Day added a deeper layer of meaning.
“It’s a little surreal, honestly,” Knack said. “Jackie Day at Dodger Stadium—I mean, it’s a special one. Getting to pitch on this day, I mean, means a lot. Obviously who he is and what he means to the game… I’m very honored I got to pitch here today.”
Knack was pulled after 4.1 innings, just shy of qualifying for the win, but he took it in stride.
“Obviously I want to go as far into the game as they’ll let me,” he admitted. “But still felt good about kind of where we were in the game… you still got to make sure you always kind of earn that third time through the order.”
When asked what advice he would offer to young players on Jackie Robinson Day, Knack reflected on his own unlikely path to the big leagues.
“Whoever you are, whatever background you come from—if this is something you want to do… it’s really just putting your head down and work until you get there,” he said. “It took me a long time to kind of develop… even still, it was a hard road. So I’d say to anybody—it’s possible for you. Just continue to work.”
As for his own inspiration?
“That’s a tough question,” Knack said with a smile. “I watched a lot of the greats coming up… but I think just seeing people battle through things, the things people go through—you just want to work hard to get there. You dream of being there as a kid, and you aspire to be like the greats up there.”
Knack may not have gone the distance on Tuesday night, but in a game honoring one of baseball’s greatest trailblazers, he showed the kind of resolve, humility, and work ethic that keeps the spirit of No. 42 alive.
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