Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Claps Back at Question About Ronald Acuna Jr
Over the last month, the Dodgers have gained some ground in the standings and are only a couple games behind the Atlanta Braves for the best record in baseball. So naturally, when LA welcomed Atlanta to town for a four-game set, it was a huge deal.
The Braves won the first game of the series by a score of 8-7, but the Dodgers battled back to make it interesting. They showed that they are never out of a game, and even in defeat, there were tons of positives to take away.
One of those positives was that All-Star Mookie Betts continued his incredible season, hitting two more home runs in the game. He is currently battling Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves for the National League MVP award. So when the two took the field on Thursday, fireworks were going to occur.
However, Betts doesn’t see it that way. He doesn’t want the narrative to be him against Acuna, but rather the Dodgers against the Braves. Betts is very team-oriented despite his chance to add another MVP to his resume.
“I’m not playing against Ronald Acuña. I’m playing against the Braves. We’re trying to beat the Braves,” Betts said. “He’s great. Awesome person. Take absolutely nothing away from him. But I’m not playing against him.”
Per MLB.com
Both players have had incredible seasons, and arguments could be made for either to win the award. But Betts is correct in saying that it’s the two teams facing each other.
Even LA manager Dave Roberts understands that games like this are different. It pits two of the best players in the game today against one another and makes for must-watch TV.
“You’re watching the game, you’re trying to win the game, but it’s hard not to watch those two guys go head to head,” said Roberts. “Fans, media, people want to see the best perform. To see what Ronald did and then to see how Mookie answered, it was good to see him respond like that.”
Per MLB.com
The Braves and Dodgers have a weird rivalry going right now, and many expect them to link up in the postseason once again. That’s when things matter, even though LA would love nothing more than to win this series against Atlanta.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Max Muncy who cant play 3rd base made
The crucial error on his wild throw that lost the game. Talk about how inept he is at 3rd base. Thank you.
Agree, I’m a Brave fan but have great respect for Mookie and only want them both to excel to their highest potential, God’s blessings on Ronald and Maria’s wedding and his accomplishments on that day and Good Luck to Mookie in what lies ahead, he’s a positive Dodger player. Good Luck to both.
Hey Matt,when you wrote this the Dodgers were FIVE games down, now SIX, behind the Braves, not A COUPLE
How do you take someone who has had a great month and compare him to someone who has had a great season. Acuna is the MVP
I think this may be oversimplifying it a little. Betts has also had a great season, leads Acuna in most major statistical category (HRs, WAR, SLG, OPS, OPS+), plays two positions and has done well at both. Both have been pretty consistent, although maybe a little more for Acuna. They’re tied in outfield assists even though Betts has had far less time in RF. They’re both worthy. However, as a Dodgers’ fan, the reason I’d give Acuna the edge is the 30/60 achievement, which is honestly mind boggling. And with 28 games left, he could reach 40/70.