Dodgers infielder goes on power binge in win over Braves

When it comes to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani usually steal the spotlight but on Saturday evening Max Muncy was the one stealing the show.

The Dodgers third basemen hit three home runs in a single game for the first time in his career, powering L.A. past the Atlanta Braves 11-2. Muncy ended the night having gone 4-5 with 4 RBI.

The 33-year-old infielder has been performing well for the Dodgers so far in 2023. While his .262 batting average leaves a bit to be desired, he is now tied for the team lead in home runs (eight) and has the fourth-best OPS (.920). Muncy is also fourth on the roster in RBI with 22 for the season.

The third basemen has never been one to hit for contact as .263 is his best-ever batting average in a season. As long as he is hitting home runs, L.A. will be happy.

“I think he’s getting back to being a better hitter, and not just a one-dimensional slugger,” manager Dave Roberts said via Eric Stephen of SB Nation. “We haven’t seen a backside home run like that in a long time (the third home run). When you can go the other way, you’re spinning the ball the right way, and it carries out of the ballpark versus a swing that’s cutting it, your swing is in a really good spot.”

The Dodgers also figure to be happy with Muncy's output as he has as many home runs and RBI as Ohtani. Whenever a player can match the modern-day Babe Ruth's output, fans have to be pleased with their performance.

With how well L.A.'s stars are performing, they should continue to be a top team in the NL West and the National League as a whole. The Dodgers boast a 22-13 record which has them leading their division and second in the NL. 

But Muncy's performance on Saturday evening will be one that he remembers for a long time. With the likes of Ohtani and Betts on the roster, players like Muncy can sometimes be overshadowed but he will play an important role if the Dodgers want to win a World Series.