Los Angeles Dodgers All-Stars who were in the National League lineup hit in order from second through the fourth spots, but only J.D. Martinez managed to come up with a hit. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman nevertheless were among the many highlights from T-Mobile Park as they were part of a mic’d up segment.
Freeman nearly had the NL’s first hit but he was robbed by Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena making a leaping catch. Arozarena then singled with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, which gave Freeman an opportunity to needle him over the web gem and subsequent base hit.
Betts and Freeman also touched on the Shohei Ohtani recruiting pitches that seemingly were being made throughout All-Star festivities. Freeman quipped he was not going to discuss the matter due to tampering, but Betts quickly said the Dodgers would welcome Ohtani to the team if he chose to sign with them in free agency.
The Dodgers teammates additionally discussed their different approaches when both playing in the infield. Freeman joked Betts is lonely in right field and thus looks to talk to him whenever playing second base.
When Mookie wants to talk but Freddie's focused. 😂 pic.twitter.com/1V9USCX9pj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 12, 2023
J.D. gets the National League their first hit! pic.twitter.com/bhlo3pxFJc
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 12, 2023
J.D. hit and choo choo celebration? Feels like home. pic.twitter.com/Wvf4XLw6fg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 12, 2023
Betts went 0-for-2 with one strikeout, while Freeman finished 0-for-1 with a walk.
Meanwhile, Martinez provided the NL’s first hit and later added a double that helped spark their comeback. Martinez came around to score the game-tying run on Luis Arraez’s single.
Martinez became the first Dodgers All-Star with two hits in one Midsummer Classic game since Mike Piazza in 1996. Piazza was named All-Star Game MVP that year.
Will Smith went 0-for-1 with a walk and stolen base after entering off the bench. Smith fittingly stole second base off former Dodgers teammate Kenley Jansen.
Clayton Kershaw did not participate in the All-Star Game due to being on the 15-day injured list because of left shoulder soreness.
The NL snapped a nine-game losing streak to the American League with their 3-2 win.
Freddie Freeman healthy
Freeman enjoyed another productive first half of the season that ended a bit early as he was removed before the Dodgers finished their Freeway Series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.
Freeman’s exit came after he attempted to leg out a ground ball and appeared to hit first base at an awkward angle. However, he assured all was well and the Dodgers simply were looking to get him extra rest with a comfortable lead.
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