The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts is congratulated by Manager Dave Roberts as he returns to the dugout in front of an appreciative sellout crowd of 52,000-plus after hitting a go-ahead, solo home run during the seventh inning of their 5-3 victory over the Phillies on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was the first full-capacity Dodgers home game since October 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts hits a go-ahead, solo home run during the seventh inning of their 5-3 victory over the Phillies on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was the first full-capacity Dodgers home game (52,000-plus) since October 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds first base after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts runs to first base as he watches the flight of his go-ahead solo home run during the seventh inning of Tuesday’s game against the Phillies at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds first base after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives third base coach Dino Ebel #91 after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts is congratulated by Manager Dave Roberts as he returns to the dugout in front of an appreciative sellout crowd of 52,000-plus after hitting a go-ahead, solo home run during the seventh inning of their 5-3 victory over the Phillies on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was the first full-capacity Dodgers home game since October 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Second baseman Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers forces out Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies at second base in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Zach Eflin #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers broken bat single against the Philadelphia Phillies in front of fans in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers broken bat single against the Philadelphia Phillies in front of fans in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Zach Eflin #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies in front of fans in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans reach for a foul ball during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Albert Pujols #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks toward the stands as fans are allowed with out mask and no social distancing in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers scores on a RBI double by teammate Zach McKinstry (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Chris Taylor, right, scores on a single by Zach McKinstry as Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, center, misses the ball while home plate umpire Ryan Wills watches during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on after hitting an RBI ground rule double during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting an RBI ground rule double during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hands the ball to manager Dave Roberts #30 during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks off the mound to cheering fans after being pulled against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Fans clap for Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as he walks to the dugout after his outing during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Albert Pujols #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers singles against the Philadelphia Phillies in front of 50 thousand fans in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Manager Joe Girardi of the Philadelphia Phillies smiles as talks with Albert Pujols (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Albert Pujols #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers catches a fly ball in foul territory by J.T. Realmuto (not pictured) of the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Manager Dave Roberts #30 is all smiles after Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
First baseman Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies can’t reach a foul ball hit by AJ Pollock #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
50 thousands fans look on in the sixth inning of a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks down while walking to the dugout at the end of the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies ducks to avoid the ball during his at bat during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts to a pitch during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen celebrates as the Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 in a baseball game Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Blake Treinen #49 and Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their 5-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Manager Dave Roberts #30 and Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their 5-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Sam and Bonnie Kane of Woodlawn Hills wearing blue wigs and wearing their opening day t-shirts as fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Allen Estrada of El Segundo wearing his Dodger Dog outfit poses for pictures with the 2020 World Championship trophy as fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans check out the new centerfield area with Shake Shack, bars and other food and drinks as fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anna Castro poses for a picture with her brother Raul Castro and a giant World Series ring fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans check out the new centerfield area with Shake Shack and other food and drinks as fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans check out the new centerfield area with Shake Shack and other food and drinks as fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans check out the new centerfield area fans flock to Dodger Stadium without masks and no social distancing that hasn’t been available since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up in centerfield as fans look on. Dodger fans have been unable to fill the stadium since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers excepts the ESPY award as Dodger fans fill the stadium since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Country singer Brad Paisley performs the National Anthem as Dodger fans fill Dodger Stadium which has been unavailable since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Country singer Brad Paisley performs the National Anthem as Dodger fans fill Dodger Stadium which has been unavailable since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans stand during the National Anthem as they fill Dodger Stadium which has been unavailable since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans stand during the National Anthem as they fill Dodger Stadium which has been unavailable since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans stand during the National Anthem as they fill Dodger Stadium which has been unavailable since the pandemic shutdown started in early 2020 without masks and social distancing during reopening day during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fans cheer during player introductions prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Fans cheer during player introductions prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks with spanish broadcaster Jaime Jarrin prior to a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Albert Pujols #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: A fan wears a mask before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. This is the first full capacity game held at Dodger Stadium since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Fans stand in the seats during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Playing in front of an opened-to-full-capacity Dodger Stadium for the first time since the 2019 postseason, Mookie Betts drove in the go-ahead runs as the Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-3, on “Re-Opening Day” Tuesday night.
The announced crowd of 52,078 was full capacity indeed. The Dodgers announced it as the largest crowd to attend a professional sports league event in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
Along with it came all the familiar features of a packed house – the shocked eruption over a broken bat, the full-throated investment in between-innings features on the scoreboard, the roar of 50,000 people misjudging a routine fly ball together … and, of course, late arrivers stuck in parking-lot traffic and long lines at overburdened concessions stands.
All of that provided the backdrop for Betts’ first big moment in a packed Dodger Stadium … as a Dodger.
“Just to finally play in front of a full Dodger Stadium – on the right team – is definitely something that I’ve been looking forward to,” Betts said on the SportsNet LA post-game show. “Being able to play a good game was the cherry on top.”
Well, crowd size aside – the cherry was probably that World Series title won in neutral-site Globe Life Field last fall.
But 16 months after Betts was acquired by the Dodgers, a packed stadium was able to cheer for him. His solo home run leading off the seventh inning broke a 3-3 tie and was his third homer in the past six games.
After one of the other homers (part of a two-hit, three-run game) on Sunday, Betts was unwilling to forecast the arrival of a hot stretch to turn around a season up to his standards. But he had three hits Tuesday and is 7 for 21 (.333) during this six-game stretch.
“It’s been so in and out, it’s kind of tough to say,” Betts said when asked if this qualified now. “I’m just trying to take one day at a time and just focus that way. Maybe here in a month or so we can take a look back. But right now it’s just one day at a time.”
It should have been an easier night for the Dodgers.
Starter Julio Urias gave up a solo home run to Andrew McCutchen in the second inning but took a 3-1 lead into the fifth – thanks, in part, to his own doing.
Zach McKinstry and Urias had back-to-back RBI doubles in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers that lead. It was one of two hits Tuesday for McKinstry who went 2 for his first 23 after returning from an oblique injury but is now 5 for his past 10.
Urias followed with a ground-rule double just inside the foul pole in the right field corner. It was Urias’ eighth RBI of the season, at least one in each of his past five starts.
“Things are working out,” Urias said through an interpreter. “I was going after that first pitch and luckily I got that first pitch and I put a good swing on it.”
In the fifth, however, errors by Chris Taylor (at second base) and Matt Beaty (in left field) helped the Phillies score twice to tie the game.
It stayed tied until Betts sent a jolt through the sellout crowd, ripping an 0-and-2 changeup from Phillies lefty Ranger Suarez into a left field pavilion cleared of cardboard cutouts.
“Mookie really came to life tonight and that was fun to see,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“It was a jolt. Our fans – as far as full capacity – haven’t had a chance to see him in person for quite some time. I think you can say most fans haven’t had that chance. So for them to get here and hope that your superstar player performs, go-ahead homer – it was a big jolt. The dugout felt it, the fans felt it.”
With limited bullpen options based on recent usage, Roberts asked Phil Bickford to protect the one-run lead in the eighth and fans were reminded of the white-knuckle finishes they have been missing.
Plucked from the waiver wire in early May, Bickford looked shakey as he walked the first two batters in the eighth. But he battled back to strike out McCutchen and Alec Bohm before getting Luke Williams to bounce out and end the inning.
“To just kind of make a decision that you want to take care of guys in the ’pen, not overuse them and listen to them and make sure you don’t put them in harm’s way, the cost is …. other guys get the opportunity,” Roberts said. “I felt good with Phil in that run of hitters and he made pitches when he needed to. I think going forward that’s going to be really something as far as confidence that is only going to grow from this outing.”
Betts bought closer-for-the-day Blake Treinen some breathing room with a two-out RBI single in the eighth and Treinen finished it off in the ninth.
“It’s super weird,” Betts said of waiting 16 months to be cheered by a full-capacity home crowd in Los Angeles.
“Obviously it was a great feeling knowing that they’re finally cheering on my behalf. … I’m just happy and thankful we finally got this day.”
