The Los Angeles Dodgers received offensive contributions from several players in their 6-4 comeback win over the Baltimore Orioles, including Freddie Freeman, who fell just short of hitting for the cycle.
Freeman began his night with a groundout but then recorded a single, triple and double in his next three at-bats. The seven-time All-Star had one final opportunity to hit a home run in the ninth inning but grounded out.
Freeman nonetheless extended his on-base streak to 18 games, breaking a tie with Milwaukee Brewers teammates Willy Adames and William Contreras for the longest active stretch in the Majors.
Following the Dodgers’ win, Freeman discussed his approach during his final at-bat and revealed he was not concerned about hitting a home run, via SportsNet LA:
“I was just trying to get a hit. Left on left, guy throwing cutters and sliders. If you try to pull off and do that, most likely you’re going to get out. I was just trying to get a fourth hit. I like hits more than all that. A little bit better today. I still pulled some balls in the ground, but overall, much better swings.”
Freeman’s triple to the opposite field that led off the top of the sixth was indicative of the feel he looks for in each at-bat:
“Yeah, I stayed through the ball. It was kind of a changeup the one I pulled, so with two strikes, I was just trying to move the ball forward. Even some foul balls, I liked. Just overall better swings that I can take into tomorrow.”
With his 3-for-5 performance, Freeman is now batting a stellar .318/.397/.555 with an MLB-leading 33 doubles to go along with 17 home runs, 63 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 426 plate appearances this season.
Freeman has started at first base in all 93 of the Dodgers’ games, which comes after appearing in 159 of 162 contests last year. He’s previously hit for the cycle twice in his career.
Freddie Freeman fully healthy
Freeman was removed early from the finale of the Freeway Series after attempting to leg out a ground ball for an infield single in bottom of the fifth inning. The Dodgers were leading 8-0 at the time, and Freeman confirmed he did not sustain an injury.
“I had like nine people ask me if I was OK,” Freeman said after the Dodgers’ 10-5 win. “I was like, ‘What in the world? I’m fine.’ I am completely fine, 100%.
“I got asked like nine times when I came out of the game, ‘Are you alright?’ I was like, ‘When did I hurt myself?’ I guess it looked funny on TV, but absolutely, 100% completely fine going into the half.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
