As the Los Angeles Dodgers have collectively been inconsistent at the plate for multiple weeks, Justin Turner went through a power drought until slugging two home runs in one game against the St. Louis Cardinals last week.
It was his first homer since Aug. 15, when Turner returned to the lineup after missing a week due to a minor groin issue. More recently, he homered in back-to-back games and also added a double during that span.
It gave Turner a stretch of four home runs in 24 at-bats. “I’ve been trying to work through some things and figure some stuff out,” he said.
“Obviously hadn’t gotten the results I was getting in the first half, but I do feel like my timing has been a lot better over the last week, 10 days or so. I’m hitting balls harder more frequently, which is always a good sign.
“Now it’s just about finding some holes when you hit them hard.”
Turner led all players with three RBI in the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers collectively swung the bat well as they tallied 11 hits, with five of them going for extra bases.
“It was good all the way around,” Turner said of the offense. “Quality at-bats up and down the lineup, good to get a crooked number in the first for Kersh and let him go out and do his thing.”
Turner nominated for 2021 Roberto Clemente Award
One day after his big night at the plate, Turner was named the Dodgers’ nominee for the 2021 Roberto Clemente Award, marking a fourth time in the last five years has been up for the prestigious honor.
“I’m honored to be the Dodgers’ nominee for this award and be mentioned alongside Roberto Clemente, who showed us all the impact that athletes can make and what it means to give back to the community,” Turner said in a statement.
“My wife Kourtney and I are humbled by this recognition, and pledge to continue lifting up people in need, especially our homeless veterans, and supporting our hospitals, schools and youth sports.”
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