The Los Angeles Dodgers fell into an early deficit but battled back to earn an 11-9 win over the Chicago White Sox and take the rubber match of the series at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Max Muncy had his fingerprints all over the victory in what marked his first game since returning from the 10-day injured list. After striking out in his first two at-bats, Muncy gave the Dodgers a lead by driving a two-run double to center field off Dylan Cease in the fifth inning.
Then in the top of the sixth, Muncy lined a three-run homer to left field. He was given the opportunity after White Sox manager Tony La Russa intentionally walked Trea Turner despite him falling behind 1-2 in the count.
Muncy appeared to take exception to La Russa’s decision and showed plenty of emotion as he crossed home plate and celebrated with teammates.
After the game, Muncy essentially thanked the White Sox for helping him rediscover his old self, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“It gave me something that I haven’t had a lot of this year,” Muncy said. “In the past, I’ve always been a guy that’s very fiery and has a lot of edge. I haven’t had a lot of that this year. So to get that back felt really good.”
Since making his Dodgers debut in 2018, Muncy has become synonymous with the competitive edge he brings to the clubhouse.
However, the 31-year-old hasn’t quite had that same intensity this season after getting off to a slow start and still being bothered by the torn UCL he sustained in his left elbow last year.
Prior to his IL stint, Muncy hit just .150/.327/.263 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 41 games. The two-time All-Star admitted he was hoping the time off would help the elbow quiet down and also provide him with a mental reset.
La Russa defends decision to intentionally walk Turner
Although the decision to intentionally walk Turner backfired, La Russa defiantly stood by it when asked about the thought process to have Sousa face Muncy, noting he liked the left-on-left matchup.
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