Steve Webb
SAN DIEGO, CA — After the Dodgers staved off elimination in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Padres, Mookie Betts and Will Smith talked to the media on the team’s performance and mindset.
Betts emphasized the importance of staying focused, saying, “We just take it one game at a time.” He credited the team’s ability to fight back, acknowledging that nothing comes easy in the postseason. Betts had been working tirelessly in the batting cage, and when asked about potentially overdoing it, he responded, “I don’t care about overdoing it… I’d rather overdo it than not give effort.” This relentless work paid off, as Betts contributed key hits in the game, helping the Dodgers to victory. After a slow start in the series, Mookie now has an OPS north of 1.000, which would have been even higher if not for Jurickson Profar‘s antics in left field in Game 2.
Will Smith, who had been struggling offensively in the postseason, expressed relief after hitting a home run. “I felt decent the whole series… just barely missing pitches I should hit. That’s baseball,” Smith said, adding that it felt good to finally connect for a big hit. He credited his teammate Mon for setting up the opportunity with a double, as well as the bullpen for their excellent performance.
Both Betts and Smith pointed to the team’s lighthearted pregame mood as a crucial factor in staying relaxed under pressure. “We weren’t uptight. We were having fun, laughing, joking,” said Betts. He also highlighted the support from his teammates, who instilled confidence in him when he needed it most. Turning off social media was another way Betts quieted external noise and focused on the game, saying, “I had to just get some positive vibes in me.”
Smith praised the bullpen, which used eight pitchers to shut down the Padres’ offense. “They were fantastic… attacking the zone, putting guys away,” he noted, pointing out how critical the bullpen’s performance was in securing the win.
Looking ahead to Game 5, Betts expressed confidence but remained focused. “We trust all those guys,” he said, referring to the bullpen’s ability to step up again if necessary. However, Betts was quick to point out that despite feeling good at the plate, confidence alone won’t guarantee success. “That doesn’t mean I’m going to go out and get hits… but we’ll be alright.”
The Dodgers’ ability to stay composed, grind out at-bats, and get timely hits kept them alive in the series, with both Betts and Smith exemplifying the team’s fighting spirit. Now, with momentum on their side, the Dodgers are poised to take on the Padres in a decisive Game 5, and both players are confident their hard work and preparation will pay off.
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