Freeman hits 1st HR for Dodgers in reunion win over Braves
LOS ANGELES - Freddie Freeman is making a Hollywood start to his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
And it's already a love story.
Freeman Dodgers hit his first home run in uniform, no less against his former team, and Trey Turner's base-loaded double highlighted the fourth innings of five runs as Los Angeles beat the Atlanta Braves 7-4 on Monday night in a row for the seventh time. Victory
"I'm glad I found the first one," Freeman said.
When he first set foot in the batter's box, Freeman and Braves catcher Travis D'Arnond looked at each other.
"We both said, 'This is weird,'" Freeman said.
He didn’t wait to play at his former club, sending a single shot to the left-field pavilion from Huscar Inouye (0-2) in the first. That "Freddie! Freddie!" Out of a crowd of 52,052 when the first baseman pointed to see his family in a suite.
"For 50,000 people, making me feel good about myself and caring about me means a lot," Freeman said.
The crowd's rhythmic cries for Freeman began at last week's home opener, when fans serenaded him for just a double slap. Now, he’s listening to it on every trip to the plate.
"Maybe they felt it was a tough breakup and they gave him the support he needed," said winning pitcher Clayton Kersh.
Before the game, an emotional Freeman spent time at the Atlanta Clubhouse, reviving memories of last year's World Series win, the franchise's first championship since 1995. He signed a six-year, $ 162 million deal with the Dodgers in March, ending a year-long race with the 12-Braves, the only team played by Southern California locals.
“I wanted to see them and hug them,” he said. "I like hugs."
Freeman's youngest son, Charlie, did the same, seeing his father's ex-boyfriend Dansby Swanson and running for a pregam embrace.
Freeman showed great defense in the seventh inning, diving right-handed to stab Swanson's backhand for the first out. He went 1-for-3 with two runs and two walks.
"It was a special day," Freeman said, "one that I will always remember."
Dodgers added five runs in the fourth ball.
In a rematch of the last two NL Championship Series, Cody Bellinger spins things around with an RBI groundout and nominee hitter Edwin Rios adds an RBI unit. Shaun Newcomb's ball landed on the left field between Turner's three-run double Orlando Arsia and the free throw line, making it 6-0.
Bellinger went home early in the eighth for a 7-4 lead.
Guillermo lost to Heredia and Atlanta Oz Albis Kershaw (2-0). Of the Braves' 15 home runs this season, 14 have been single shots.
“In the sixth my things were not so sharp. I don't know if I run out of gas, "said Keresh. "It simply came to our notice then.
After seven perfect innings in Minnesota last week, Kershaw allowed four runs in six overs in five innings. The left-hander struck out seven and did not get his 100th win at Dodger Stadium.
Craig Kimberly pitched the ninth for his third save.
Kenley Janssen returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since signing a one-year deal with the Braves in March. The Dodgers' career saves leader received a standing ovation because he was honored before the game.
Coach's room
Braves: Of Ronald Akuna Jr. is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Guinette at Triple in Jacksonville on Tuesday. This will be his first game since July 10, when he tore his right ACL while playing against Miami.
Dodgers: RHP Blake Trainen will be unavailable against Braves due to arm pain. He plays catches and is not expected to go on the disabled list.
Until next time
Brave: LHP Max Fried (0-2, 5.73 ERA) 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his career against the Dodgers.
Dodgers: RHP Walker Bueller (1-0, 3.38) is starting his fourth career against the Braves. He is 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA and 17 strikeouts.