When you wear the famous Dodgers’ blue in Los Angeles, where the lights shine brightest and hopes fly highest, the pressure and expectations are part of the package. Every play is being watched, and every mistake is examined. One mistake, and you will get criticism from every corner. The same has been happening with this $24M ace player. However, the drought seems to end, and he seems to enjoy it.
The champions’ 2025 season started rough. Although the team has shown flashes of brilliant play, certain players have struggled personally. For a star hitter, the starting season was no exception. Pitchers have always had to be careful around him because he could always go deep. But this time, the narrative changed, and fans and analysts were left scratching their heads and asking one question. What has happened to him?
28 games and no home run! A record that no player wants to add with his name, but for Max Muncy, it happened. The reactions? Fans roasted him! He replied?
Yes, with a homer! It came against the Marlins on Wednesday, in the bottom of the second inning. Finally, putting an end to the drought, was he happy? Let’s hear from him only. When asked about it, he said, “Felt really good to have that happen,” “Just hope today is something to build on.” He added how difficult it is to play in such a pressurized situation. “Playing in L.A. is not easy,” Muncy said. “It’s a privilege, and it’s a privilege to play under this pressure. It’s something I’ve always thrived on. But it doesn’t mean it’s been easy, for me or my family.”
Max Muncy indeed gave a strong reply with one swing on Wednesday. He drove a 107.7 mph ball 433 feet over the centre-field wall for his first home run of the season. The Los Angeles Dodgers registered a 12-7 triumph against the Miami Marlins. It was an emotional moment for Muncy, and it makes sense. Even the Freeman appreciated his homer and knew how an athlete felt when his abilities were being questioned. He said, “I know he’s been going through it, trying to get that first homer, to get his swing right. He’s been working so hard. So, for him to see some results after all the hard work, hopefully the floodgates will open for Max.”
And for the Dodgers, the team is getting back! From Max Muncy getting his swing right to pitchers pitching right. Indeed, a win-win situation for the Boys in Blue.
The Dodgers are shining and rising
The Dodgerland is making a comeback in champion style. First, the win against the Marlins, and now a Friday night treat against the Braves for the fans.
With a 2-1 triumph on Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers kept their supremacy over the Atlanta Braves, their sixth straight win, and season record against the Braves to 4-0. Yoshinobu Yamamoto put on an outstanding show by pitching six scoreless innings and surrendering just one hit—a double by Austin Riley in the sixth. With this performance, Yamamoto, named National League Pitcher of the Month for April, reduced his league-leading ERA to 0.90.
Offensively for the Dodgers, Mookie Betts spearheaded the attack with two hits, two runs scored, and a significant solo home run in the sixth inning. This was Betts’ first home run since April 14. Betts hit and eventually scored on Will Smith’s sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, giving the Dodgers their first run. Matt Olson’s single home run off reliever Kirby Yates allowed the Braves to score their only run in the seventh inning.
Even after the rain delay, the Dodgers’ bullpen remained strong. Evan Phillips finished the game in the ninth, striking out two batters to earn his first save of the season; Tanner Scott threw a spotless eighth inning. Having won 10 of their last 12 encounters, the Dodgers’ triumph increased their recent success against the Braves. The series goes on with the Dodgers hoping to keep their winning streak.
Now that they have the momentum and players performing well, can they carry it for the rest of the season?
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