Pederson producing for Dodgers
Following the World Series during the pandemic:
Joc Pederson is the guy the Dodgers didn’t need or want — until October.
After nearly being traded in February and hitting .190 during the regular season, Pederson is coming up big in the postseason.
Pederson crushed a fastball from Rays starter Tyler Glasnow over the left-center field wall leading off the second inning Sunday night, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0. After enduring a stunning 8-7 loss in Game 4, the Dodgers rebounded early and went on to a 4-2 victory over the Rays.
The Dodgers were one victory from their first World Series championship since 1988 ahead of Game 6 on Tuesday night in Arlington, Texas.
“They don’t call it Joctober for no reason,” said teammate Max Muncy, who added a solo shot in the fifth. “The guy performs on the huge stage, that’s just what he does.”
Pederson could tell his 428-foot drive immediately was gone.
“They don’t want that smoke,” he bellowed upon returning to the dugout. “Come on, let’s go!”
It was the Dodgers’ 28th home run of the postseason after leading the majors with 118 during the regular season.
Pederson struck out twice against Glasnow in Game 1.
“It was nice to be able to return the favor,” he said.
The left-handed slugger also homered in the Dodgers’ losing efforts in the 2017 and 2018 World Series.
“If you look at Joc’s postseason track record, he always performs,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s just laser-focused.”
Pederson made a nifty running grab on a long fly by Joey Wendle and smacked into the wall for the second out of the seventh Sunday night.