Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are two of the best hitters in the world. Next month, Betts will likely finish second in voting for National League MVP. Freeman will surely be third.
But for the moment, the two stars of the Los Angeles Dodgers are doing absolutely nothing of value.
Indeed, in the first two games of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Betts and Freeman have a combined record of just one hit in thirteen at-bat appearances. An infield single from the latter in the first inning of last night’s duel (Monday) represents their only hit.
Bottom line: The Dodgers, like the Baltimore Orioles, lost their first two home games after winning at least 100 games in the regular season, something that had happened only three times in 118 years before.
However, before the start of the series, the two protagonists represented the Dodgers’ biggest advantage over the DBacks, because on the mound, you certainly have to look towards Arizona.
If in the first meeting, Clayton Kershaw collapsed, the Los Angeles pitchers did the job yesterday. But the big offensive guns were completely absent.
And Betts knows very well that he and his teammate must give more.
For me and Freddie, that’s kind of our role and we don’t do it. I take the blame. We just have to find a way. There are no excuses.
These words show a high level of maturity on Betts’ part. However, now is the time to put those words into action, as the Dodgers are now up against the wall.
Freeman and Betts will have a chance to get back together tomorrow (Wednesday), as they face elimination at Chase Field. They will then have Brandon Pfaadt in front of them, who will automatically be on the mound for the DBacks.
