Mookie Betts made history by hitting the Dodgers’ most leadoff home runs, and Teoscar Hernández contributed his first two homers for Los Angeles in a 6-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.
Betts smashed his 29th leadoff homer for the Dodgers with the first pitch from Zack Thompson (0-1).
Bobby Miller (1-0) struck out a career-high 11 batters, allowing only two hits and a walk in six innings, while Evan Phillips secured his second save with a flawless ninth inning.
“Just a year ago, Miller struggled with fastball control, but now he’s polished and commands it like a veteran,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
In his fifth season with the Dodgers after being traded from the Boston Red Sox, Betts surpassed Davey Lopes for the most leadoff homers. Betts also climbed to fifth on the MLB’s all-time leadoff home run list, breaking a tie with Ian Kinsler.
Hernández, who recently signed a $23.5 million contract, hit a solo homer in the second inning and a three-run blast in the fourth, boosting the Dodgers to a 5-0 lead.
“When you have a strong lineup, it’s always enjoyable,” said Hernández. “But it’s about the team, and our entire team is solid.” Miguel Rojas also contributed with his first homer of the season in the seventh inning against Giovanny Gallegos.
Despite the loss, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised Thompson’s performance against the Dodgers’ formidable lineup. “He showed good control, mixed his pitches well, and maintained his composure,” said Marmol. “ I’m pleased with his progress.”
