Mookie Betts Ties Joc Pederson for Dodgers Franchise Record
Mookie Betts has been on a power tear this season, especially of late. After another home run in his first at-bat on Friday night (and two so far on the night), the All-Star outfielder has 22 bombs on the year and thanks to that homer being of the leadoff variety, he tied a Dodgers franchise mark set by old friend Joc Pederson in 2019.
It was his 9th leadoff home run of the season, tying Pederson with 81 games left to be played.
Mookie Betts’ 9 leadoff homers this season are tied for the most in a season in Dodgers’ franchise history with:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 1, 2023
2019 Joc Pederson
IT’S JUNE! https://t.co/YY8pNYcsOK
He wasn’t done with the long ball as he dropped another shot in the top of the third and is now challenging to become the all time leader in 3 home run games. But more on that, if it happens.
2 at-bats, 2 home runs for @MookieBetts! pic.twitter.com/VouwdG9bwm
— MLB (@MLB) July 1, 2023
Betts has 9 homers (and counting) in June and looks primed for a big showing in his first Home Run Derby during July’s All Star break in Seattle. While his manager Dave Roberts might not have faith in Mookie going far in the contest, his ability to slug is among the best in baseball. His 22 home runs are good for 5th best in baseball (tied with Jorge Soler of the Marlins) and 3rd most in the National League.
Joc Pederson hit 130 bombs with the Dodgers over parts of 7 seasons in LA. Pederson hit 9 leadoff home runs in 2019 and 8 in 2018.
Mookie is on pace for 44 homers in 2023.
