Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — After the Dodgers secured a crucial 3-1 win over the Rays, right fielder Mookie Betts took center stage with a pivotal 8th-inning home run that proved to be the difference in Sunday’s game. Reflecting on the tight contest, Betts praised both pitching staffs, acknowledging the challenge posed by the Rays’ starter Jacob Lopez. “Their guy came up and pitched a great game,” Betts noted. “It was really just a couple of hits out there. Like you said, it’s a really good team.”
Betts’ home run came at a critical moment when the game was tied 1-1 in the 8th inning. He shared his mindset during the at-bat, explaining that he wasn’t specifically looking for a particular pitch. “I’ve been getting a lot of strikes, especially early in the count, really the whole count. Just being ready for whatever,” he said. His readiness paid off as he launched the ball over the fence, providing the Dodgers with a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
The tension in the game was palpable, particularly after Shohei Ohtani was hit by a pitch earlier in the inning. When asked if this incident added any extra motivation for his at-bat, Betts downplayed any lingering emotions. “From my perspective, I don’t think there were any ill feelings or anything,” he remarked, focusing instead on the importance of executing in the moment.
Betts was also quick to praise Gavin Stone, who delivered another strong performance on the mound. “He’s been amazing all year, man,” Betts said. “Every time he touches the ball, he goes out there and gives us chances to win. He’s filling up the zone with strikes, very efficient. I think he’s really kind of surprised us all with how good he really is.”
As the Dodgers gear up for the final stretch of the season, Betts emphasized the importance of consistency. “Even from game one, it’s important to win all the games,” he stressed. “Those other teams are really getting hot and playing very well, so it’s just important for us to keep playing the game. You can’t play better; you just have to keep being who we are and doing the same things we always do.”
Now back in his rhythm after returning from an injury, Betts is comfortable batting in the second spot and is focused on the task ahead. “I’m very comfortable,” he said. “Being behind him [the leadoff hitter] is actually kind of fun. I get to see every swing, every at-bat that he takes. When I was leading off, I didn’t really get to see it that much, so it’s pretty cool.”
With most of the Dodgers’ offense back and performing well, Betts remains optimistic but grounded, knowing that the team must continue to perform. “We have to perform, and that’s the most important thing,” he concluded. “Right now, we’re doing okay, but we have to do it when it matters.”
Betts’ leadership and performance will be crucial as the Dodgers push toward the postseason, striving to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strengths.
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