The Dodgers won 8-2 over the Padres, highlighted by four home runs and a decisive three-run blast from rookie catcher Dalton Rushing in the seventh. Rushing fell behind in the count, fouled off several pitches, and ultimately connected on an 87.8 mph slider from Jeremiah Estrada. Rushing has struggled offensively since his MLB debut in May but reports his approach is improving despite a limited role. He emphasizes doing his job behind the plate and hopes to build on the big hit to continue contributing runs and defense.
"Honestly, it felt more normal for myself," Rushing said of battling back in the at-bat. "When I'm in the box and I get put in a hole, it's like, 'Alright, I'm going to find my way out. I don't know how, but I'm going to find my way out.' "That's what I did. I kind of played the game with him, he threw every pitch that he had, and I was totally banking on just being able to put a good swing on the ball."
"I think the approach is getting closer to being in a better place, Rushing explained. "The swing is what it is. The role is tough, so it's hard to maintain a swing. But if I have the right approach, I can still do damage, still drive in runs. "Like I said, I hit what I hit. Whatever I hit in this role, as long as I can drive in runs and do my job behind home plate."
Collection
[
|
...
]