The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Sunday, going 2-1 in their weekend series.
With the game tied at 1-1, outfielder Mookie Betts hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning to secure the win. This is his third homerun since returning from injury on August 12. Betts noted how his top concern was breaking the tie.
In the 8th inning, Mookie Betts hits a two-run homer. The Dodgers now lead the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) August 25, 2024
“I knew it was a double, which would have gave us a chance to put one across the board,” Betts said. “All I really cared about was get us a lead and getting to the ninth.”
While Betts was out with a fractured left hand, there were talks of moving him to second in the batting order. He had no problem batting after designated hitter Shohei Ohtani.
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“I’m very comfortable,” Betts said. “It’s actually kinda fun because I get to see [Ohtani] through every swing, every at-bat that he takes.”
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten and outfielder Mookie Betts presented the Bryant family with $100k for the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation pic.twitter.com/PmgCKrxIrT
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) August 25, 2024
The two-time World Series Champion explained how he has been eager and grateful to return to the lineup.
“I really am very appreciative to not be hurt,” Betts said. “Being on the shelf for those two months really made me miss being here and made me appreciate each and every day.”
The Dodgers have been celebrating the Los Angeles Lakers for the entire weekend. It began with a Kobe Bryant-inspired drone show on Friday, his birthday. On Saturday, the Dodgers recognized the Showtime Lakers with a t-shirt giveaway; six members of the Showtime Lakers threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Dave Roberts can’t hide his excitement as he meets the Showtime Lakers 👏 #LakeShow x #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/W94D4bIip0
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) August 25, 2024
“It was great seeing the Showtime Lakers. It took me back to when I was a kid with my dad, listening to (late sportscaster) Chick Hearn, watching the Lakers play,” said Dodgers general manager Dave Roberts. “I was a huge fan of all those guys so to see them right there, it was a moment for me.”
Sunday, the Dodgers honored Bryant with a jersey giveaway. The Dodgers showed a video tribute to Bryant and his daughter Gianna, narrated by the late voice of the Dodgers Vin Scully, before the game. Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten and Betts presented a $100 thousand donation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Bianka, the third-born of Bryant, threw out the first pitch for the Sunday game with Betts as catcher.
Bianka Bryant throws out first pitch on Kobe Bryant’s jersey giveaway day pic.twitter.com/O9Q1kIrq3u
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) August 25, 2024
Centerfielder Kiké Hernández making a highlight catch on Rays catcher Ben Rortvedt and slugging a homer in the fifth inning felt like kismet. Hernández wears a no. 8 jersey like Bryant did for his first 10 seasons in the NBA. His birthday is also on August 24, which is Kobe Bryant Day in L.A. County.
“To do it in front of the Bryant family, pretty special,” Hernández said. “I was able to enjoy the moment and put a good spin on the ball.”
The Boys in Blue are pacing the MLB with a 78-53 overall record, however, seven teams trail the Dodgers by no more than four games.
“It makes it fun,” Betts said. “It’s not going to be a cakewalk, there’s a lot of really good teams.”
The Dodgers return to action on Tuesday to start their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles.
