In the seventh inning with a runner on second and one out, the Oakland Athletics made what seemed like the smart choice: intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani. Why pitch to the most feared hitter in baseball? But their plan backfired in spectacular fashion, because Mookie Betts was ready.
The Dodgers star had been hitless in his last seven at-bats, yet the moment he stepped in, everything shifted. On a 2-1 count, Betts unleashed a rocket to right-center, driving in two runs and flipping the game on its head. He didn’t just round the bases, he turned toward the A’s dugout and roared: “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!” It wasn’t just a hit. It was a statement.
This isn’t the first time Betts has punished that decision
Since Ohtani joined the Dodgers and the two began switching spots in the lineup, Betts has seen this movie before. In fact, after teams have intentionally walked Ohtani, Betts is now 3-for-4 with seven RBIs. He’s delivered a walk-off homer, a ninth-inning game-winner, and now a game-breaking double.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knows what that kind of energy can do. “Sometimes that kind of unlocks a player,” he said. And Betts? He doesn’t hold grudges, but he does take notes. “I get it. I would not want to pitch to Shohei either,” he admitted after the game. “But you still gotta deal with me.”
Fans erupt, the lineup delivers, and the message is clear
After Betts‘ clutch hit, Max Muncy followed with a three-run blast that sealed a 9-3 win. Just 24 hours earlier, the Dodgers had been embarrassed in an 11-1 blowout. But with stars like Betts, Ohtani, and rising talents like Andy Pages stepping up, this roster has depth, and attitude.
One fan captured the moment best: “Don’t walk a GOAT just to face another GOAT.” It wasn’t just a win. It was revenge, swagger, and leadership rolled into one swing.
As the season rolls on and the Dodgers continue chasing another World Series, moments like these remind everyone: bet against Mookie at your own risk.
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