Dodgers make Freeman’s day a winning one

ATLANTA — In his first recreation again at Truist Park, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman couldn’t maintain again his feelings. He cried when he noticed 14 Braves Freeman jerseys as he walked into the constructing.

He cried once more throughout a 13-minute press convention, excusing himself from the room for a number of moments earlier than answering questions. There have been extra tears when he acquired his 2021 World Sequence ring from Braves supervisor Brian Snitker.

Pregame was all centered round Freeman. Gates had been opened to followers an hour sooner than regular. The beginning time was pushed again 5 minutes so Freeman may deal with the group with one other emotional speech.

However as soon as Freeman wiped away his tears, it was time to play baseball. Trea Turner, Julio Urías and the Dodgers made certain to care for enterprise and make Freeman’s return to Atlanta a profitable one, as they beat the Braves, 4-1, on Friday night time.

“We love Freddie right here. We need to have his again and be on the market for him in conditions like that,” Turner mentioned. “It was cool seeing him get that ring and the way emotional he was as a result of he cherished taking part in right here. I feel it’s a great factor, and it’s good for us to be on the market supporting him.”

After sweeping a three-game sequence in opposition to the Reds in Cincinnati, the Dodgers’ offense picked up the place they left off in Friday’s first inning in opposition to Braves right-hander Ian Anderson. Turner led off the sport with a single and Freeman walked behind him. Will Smith then slapped a single to left subject to place Los Angeles forward, 1-0.

Within the fifth, the Dodgers tacked on two extra runs in opposition to Anderson. Turner launched his tenth homer of the season, a solo shot to present Los Angeles a 3-0 lead. Turner is 15-for-32 with two homers since he was moved to the leadoff spot on June 17, changing Mookie Betts, who’s on the injured listing with a proper rib fracture.

“There’s no secret that he enjoys the leadoff spot,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned. “With the absence of Mookie, Trea’s actually stepped up. He’s obtained on base, he’s slugged and he’s creating havoc, creating situational alternatives. He’s taking part in, proper now, that sort of MVP-caliber baseball.”

The early offense was loads for Urías, who allowed one run and struck out 9 in six innings. Over his previous 4 outings, Urías has allowed solely 4 earned runs and punched out 29 over 23 1/3 innings.

“I believed he was throwing the baseball effectively all night time lengthy,” Roberts mentioned. “He’s been trending up. I feel there was lots made from the rate early, however the final 4 or 5, he’s held his velocity. … He’s clearly in nice form, and he threw the heck out of it tonight.”

Urías’ utilization is at all times a sizzling subject of dialog. The Dodgers have historically been extra conservative along with his workload. However with a number of accidents to the rotation, the workforce goes to lean on the Mexican left-hander.

By throwing a 96 mph four-seam fastball on his season-high 94th pitch of Friday’s recreation, Urías confirmed that he’s greater than able to accepting the duty.

“I really feel like I’m feeling lots higher with my mechanics,” Urías mentioned in Spanish. “I really feel like I’ve the gasoline to get into the late innings and nonetheless keep my velocity, and I proved that tonight.”

Friday was an emotional day for Freeman. All the weekend will probably be tough for Freeman, who signed autographs up till an hour earlier than first pitch. However the Dodgers have been wanting ahead to this weekend. They stood on the highest railing of the visiting dugout to help Freeman in his second.

Then, they went out and beat the Braves of their first recreation again in Atlanta since their loss in Recreation 6 of the Nationwide League Championship Sequence final October.

“I’ve been desirous about this weekend for a very long time, simply because I needed to get my ring,” Freeman mentioned. “Nevertheless it’s been lots. It’s been a protracted three months. I’ve been desirous about it lots. So I’m simply glad the primary night time’s over. I’ve obtained two extra.”