Dave Roberts Compares Teoscar Hernández to Former Dodgers Fan Favorite
The Los Angeles Dodgers participated in arguably the game of the year thus far when they mounted a comeback from five runs down in the ninth inning to win Tuesday’s matchup against the Colorado Rockies, 11-9. The game looked out of reach for the Dodgers, but great at-bats, solid contact, and some luck involved got the Dodgers over the top.
The guys scratched and clawed, but the hero of the game was Dodgers outfielder and likely All-Star Teoscar Hernández. Hernández came up clutch for the Dodgers, which isn’t new or a surprise if you’re familiar with his brief tenure in Dodger blue.
With two on, two outs in the ninth inning, and down by one run, Hernández hit a three-run blast to give L.A. the lead and ultimately the win. After the game, manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media, including Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, and compared Hernández to a fan favorite and slugger, Manny Ramirez.
“He reminds me of Manny Ramirez. When guys are on base, that’s when he really starts to lock it in and focus. He hunts those RBIs. That’s how you win baseball games.”
— Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Times
Ramirez, especially with the Dodgers, always came through when it mattered most. Ramirez had 53 RBIs in 53 games after being traded to the Dodgers midway through the 2008 season. Hernández leads the Dodgers with 54 RBIs — a 117-RBI pace for the season.
Hernández’s home run didn’t come without controversy, though. On a 2-and-2 count, he was almost called for a game-ending check swing. Luckily, the first base umpire, Lance Barksdale, ruled the pitch a ball, keeping the at-bat alive. On the very next pitch, Hernández took advantage of the opportunity and crushed one deep to right-center field.
“It was close. Now that I saw the replay, I don’t think so. But you could’ve called it either way, and I think it would’ve been fine.
— Teoscar Hernández, via Los Angeles Times
Hernández, like Ramirez, brings a tenacity to the baseball field that L.A. has lacked for some time. It’s a kid’s game, and Hernández does his best to show emotion and get his teammates hyped when needed. Tuesday’s match was just that.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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