Will Smith has launched some of the most consequential home runs during his stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smith added another feather to his cap by reaching a career milestone in the Dodgers' series sweep of the New York Mets.
In the Dodgers' 10-3 win over the Mets on Wednesday, Smith had his second-career multi-home run game, with three homers in the last two games. His second home run of the game at the top of the eighth inning, which gave the Dodgers a 4-3 lead, also gave him his 100th career HR over his six-year career.
According to Dodger Insider, 51 of Smith's career home runs has either given the Dodgers a lead or tied the score in a game.
Smith, through an interview with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA, only had a few words to describe the feeling of hitting the milestone. “That's a lot…it's awesome. Growing up, I never thought I would be in the situation [to hit] that many [home runs],” he said.
Smith also became the fourth Dodgers catcher to be part of the 100 home run club, which includes Roy Campanella, Mike Piazza, and Steve Yeager.
Earlier this year, the Dodgers rewarded Smith with a 10-year, $140 million contract, which reportedly includes 32% in deferred money.
Dodgers exit slump with three-game sweep of Mets
The Dodgers lost five straight prior to the Mets series, including a series sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds and dropping two of their home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The losses definitely stung for the Dodgers, but going .500 in their East Coast road trip was a good consolation heading back to LA.
Smith also described the unpleasant losing streak the Dodgers endured before pulling three games back at the expense of the Mets.
“It was not a fun flight up here [to New York], but it would be a better flight to LA so we have to continue to play good baseball, have fun, and just do what we do.”
With a 36-22 record, the Dodgers are on top of the NL West pennant race, but are behind the Philadelphia Phillies (39-18) as the NL's best team. This may be a little bit disappointing for Dodgers fans so far, as they made high profile signings in two-way player Shohei Ohtani and top pitching prospect Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the offseason.
The Dodgers will face the Colorado Rockies in a brief three-game homestand. They will embark on another East coast road trip against the Pittsburgh Pirates and culminate with a three-game set against the New York Yankees.
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