Dodgers’ News: Don Mattingly Comments On Puig, Gonzalez Celebrations

After the Dodgers’ Game 3 victory last night, it seems as if the Cardinals were unhappy with the way the Dodgers chose to celebrate their in-game accomplishments.

Cardinals’ starter Adam Wainwright cited Adrian Gonzalez’s post-hit hand gestures as “Mickey Mouse” and outfielder Carlos Beltran seemed to take exception to Yasiel Puig’s celebration on his RBI triple.

Well, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Mattingly gave his views on the situation:

Mattingly says on #Stlcards reaction to Puig: “They should be happy he didn’t run. It’s more our problem, not theirs.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 15, 2013

The comment refers to Puig’s bat flip and walking out of the batter’s box on what he thought was a home run in the fourth inning, but the ball ended up staying in the park and Puig had a stand-up triple.

Mattingly had more to say about the Cardinals getting upset:

Mattingly says there shouldn’t be double-standard with the #STLCards also showing excitement in big situations.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 15, 2013

Mattingly cited Yadier Molina fist-pumping in Game 2 as an example of similar excitement shown by the opposing team while Joe Kelly and Michael Wacha got excited about getting out of tough situations in their respective starts.

The Dodgers have faced questions all year about Puig and his actions but Mattingly has always cited it as an internal issue that would be dealt with if necessary.

The Dodgers and Cardinals are in the NLCS and have had three tight games so far, so emotions will run high for these players.

Also, the Dodgers were in the midst of a 22-inning scoreless streak in the series before Gonzalez and Puig put them on the board in the inning. Being the first home game in the series for the Dodgers wanting to get the crowd into the game, both players were excited about coming through in clutch situations.

The series continues tonight at Chavez Ravine with Ricky Nolasco on the mound for the Dodgers and Lance Lynn for the Cardinals.

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In case you missed it, here’s the home run that sent the Dodgers to the NLCS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJgp8vkSa3k