The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a comeback against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, earning a walk-off win on a home run from Mookie Betts after Shohei Ohtani tied the game with a solo blast of his own. But prior to that point, the game was a struggle for the Dodgers. They hit into three double plays and left runners in scoring position constantly, highlighted by two double plays from Freddie Freeman. Trailing 5-1 in the seventh, Miguel Rojas worked a walk and Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer to make it a two-run game. Ohtani then singled and stole second base before Freeman’s base hit drove him home to cut it to a one-run deficit, setting up the ninth-inning heroics.
Freeman's Energy: A Key to Dodgers' Success?
Manager Dave Roberts has noticed a trend with his team as related to Freeman, who the skipper believes may be the key to the Dodgers’ offense. "I think Freddie getting the base hit to score a run, I think that sort of energized us,” Roberts said. “Freddie has been trying to find his way, and we do go with him as far as his emotion. When he’s more downtrodden, it seems like everyone sort of follows suit. But when he’s chipper and going, that energy resonates with everyone else.”
Freeman’s double plays came in the first inning after singles from Ohtani and Betts, and the third inning with the bases loaded and one out. Seemingly not a coincidence, it wasn’t until the fourth inning when the Dodgers scored their first run on a homer from Teoscar Hernández.
The Importance of Freeman's Energy
The Dodgers are loaded with talent from top to bottom. Superstar slugger Shohei Ohtani’s historic tear — including his recent entry into the 50-50 club as its sole member and a chance to reach the 60-60 club — is enough to give any team a jolt of energy to rally around. L.A. also has tone-setters in former 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts, as well as star rookie pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto giving elite support to Gavin Stone, Jack Flaherty, and the banged-up Clayton Kershaw. Yet, Freeman is the beat of their drum.
Roberts would know best just how crucial Freeman’s leadership is to his ball club, and how his energy can galvanize his troops. While his redeeming intangible quality cannot be quantifiably measured, it’s typically known that when a player is on his game and feeling himself, he performs better, and that includes when a large chip gets placed on his shoulder.
Freeman's Production and Consistency
The Dodgers are 33-9 when Freeman registers multiple hits in games and his .283 batting average not only exemplifies his consistency at the plate, but also only comes in behind Ohtani (.301), Betts (.295) and shortstop Miguel Rojas (.287) for the team lead.
Freeman: The Cultural Vanguard
The Dodgers need Freeman to be that cultural vanguard as soon as their series opener against the San Diego Padres tonight. The Padres (90-66) could unseat the Dodgers (93-63) from their spot atop the National League standings. More importantly, once the postseason arrives, they’ll need the 35-year-old to drive them toward a hopeful World Series win. As his manager sees it, his energy will be a major determining factor for their squad’s continual success.
Freeman's Impact on the Dodgers' Success
It's undeniable that Freeman's energy has a significant impact on the Dodgers. When he's up, the team seems to feed off his positive vibe. However, when he's down, the team's energy dips, and they tend to struggle. This intangible aspect makes Freeman a crucial part of the Dodgers' success. The Dodgers will need him to be at his best as they enter the playoffs, and his infectious energy could be the key to a World Series win. While Ohtani and Betts might be the most talented players on the team, Freeman's ability to galvanize his teammates cannot be overstated.
The Dodgers, with their wealth of talent, are a force to be reckoned with in the MLB. However, as their manager points out, Freeman's role as a team leader goes beyond statistics, and his energy, more than anything else, may be the secret to the Dodgers' success in the playoffs.
