Kiké Hernández has emerged as a hero for the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Padres. Despite being part of a lineup that includes top players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, Hernández stood out with a game-winning solo home run. This victory helped secure the Dodgers a spot in the NLCS for the first time since 2021. Hernández mentioned that what makes this Dodgers team different is their mindset of not caring about the pressure, as he mentioned during a postgame interview.
During the condensed 2020 season, Hernández signed a deal with the Dodgers and won a World Series with the team. This season, he hit .229 with a .654 OPS during the regular season. Despite not starting in the NLDS series against the Padres until Game 4, Hernández made a significant impact by collecting two hits and scoring a run in an 8-0 win. He explained that he chose to stay with the Dodgers over the Yankees because they guaranteed him opportunities to start, especially against left-handed pitchers.
In his postgame interview after the NLDS victory, Hernández mentioned that he made the decision to stick with the Dodgers because of the playing opportunities they offered him. He highlighted that the Yankees also have a strong lineup, but they mainly consist of right-handed hitters and lack platoon players. Hernández’s performance in the NLDS series against the Padres showed his value as a versatile utility player who can contribute both offensively and defensively to the team’s success.
During Game 5 against the Padres, Hernández played multiple positions, including third base and centerfield. He made a significant impact by hitting a home run off a pitch from Yu Darvish that traveled 428 feet over the left-center field fence. This early lead was crucial in securing the victory for the Dodgers, as Teoscar Hernández later added another solo homer in the seventh inning. The pair of runs proved to be more than enough to defeat the Padres and advance to the NLCS.
Facing a Padres lineup that struggled to score runs, the Dodgers’ performance in the NLDS series highlighted their strong pitching and timely hitting. Hernández’s contributions, along with his resilience and determination to succeed, were crucial in helping the team secure a spot in the NLCS. The Dodgers are now set to face the Mets in Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday in Los Angeles. Hernández’s journey with the Dodgers, from winning a World Series in 2020 to becoming a key player in the NLDS series, showcases his value as a versatile and impactful player for the team.
