Saturday was a day to remember for Will Smith, and not just because it was his birthday. The Dodgers' catcher celebrated in style with a go-ahead two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning, securing a series sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks. This marked the third consecutive comeback victory for the Dodgers, showing their resilience and determination.
Interestingly, Smith wasn't initially in the lineup. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed post-game that Smith had pushed to play, especially on his bobblehead night. That decision paid off in spades.
After the game, Smith shared his thoughts with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA, expressing the team’s never-say-die attitude. "Playing in front of our home fans at Dodger Stadium is unbeatable," he said.
"Even late in the game, we never feel out of it. Someone always steps up.
Tonight, Mookie got on, and I was able to deliver."
Freddie Freeman also had a standout performance. After going hitless in the first two games, he broke through with three hits on Saturday, including a crucial RBI double.
Freeman explained to Watson that he had been swinging well since spring training, despite not having much to show for it initially. "It felt good to finally connect," he said.
"Once you get that first hit, it’s a relief."
On the mound, Tyler Glasnow delivered a solid performance with six strikeouts over six innings. Despite an early scoring setback, he found his rhythm, mirroring a theme among Dodgers starters in the series. Glasnow discussed with Watson how he managed to settle in after the early runs, a testament to his focus and skill.
Overall, it was a night that showcased the Dodgers' depth and determination, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.