UPDATE: Mookie Betts delivered a crucial performance in Game 6, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays on October 26, 2023. His two-run single in the early innings not only broke his personal slump but also propelled the Dodgers closer to the World Series championship.
The Dodgers arrived at Rogers Centre late Wednesday night, but Betts wasted no time in preparing for battle. Just hours before the game, he summoned teammate Alex Call to help him work on his hitting. Betts, who had struggled with a 3-for-23 performance in the World Series prior to this game, focused on regaining his rhythm at the plate.
“I’ve just been terrible,” Betts told reporters after Game 5, where he failed to record a hit. His determination to improve was evident as he dedicated Thursday’s workout to finding a more stable hitting position. Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc noted that Betts aimed to “let his natural talent take over.” The efforts paid off significantly.
In a pivotal moment of Game 6, after the Dodgers had struggled against Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman, Betts came through in the top of the third inning. With two outs, he knocked a fastball to left field, scoring Will Smith and Freddie Freeman to give Los Angeles the lead.
“It felt great to come through for the boys,” Betts said post-game. “I want to play well for the boys. I love everybody in there.”
The Dodgers have faced immense pressure this postseason, with the stakes higher than ever. Manager Dave Roberts announced that Betts would bat cleanup for the first time since 2017, a decision that showed confidence in the star player. “I’m going to, as they say, ride or die with him,” Roberts stated, emphasizing Betts’ importance to the team’s success.
Betts’ performance was a welcome turnaround after a rocky start to the season, where he battled weight loss and offensive struggles. He had previously slashed just .240/.313/.369 before rebounding to a more productive .294/.351/.478 in the latter part of the regular season.
As the series heads to a decisive Game 7, the Dodgers will rely on their ace Shohei Ohtani to take the mound on short rest, alongside support from Tyler Glasnow and potential appearances from Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers are poised for another challenge, but with Betts’ newfound confidence, they believe they can overcome it.
“I’m just happy for him that he can have a little peace and sleep a little bit better,” Van Scoyoc added, highlighting the emotional weight of Betts’ success. As the Dodgers prepare for Game 7, all eyes will be on Betts and his ability to maintain this momentum.
With everything on the line, the Dodgers are primed to prove they can rise to the occasion once again. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping postseason saga.
