Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Made MLB History With Late-Game Heroics

Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernández delivered multiple gut punches to his former team, the Boston Red Sox, on Saturday night in a 7-6 extra-inning victory at Dodger Stadium.

Hernández’s efforts also made baseball history.

The fan favorite has struggled to get going this season but playing his former teammates seemed to have lit a fire under him. In the bottom of the ninth, he launched a solo home run off former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen to tie the game at 4-4 blowing Jansen’s save opportunity.

In the 10th inning, he tied the game again with a base hit up the middle and he scored the game-winning run in the 11th.

According to OptaSTATS, “No one else in MLB history has accomplished all three feats in the ninth inning or later in the same game.

Hernández also celebrated 10 years of service on Saturday which is a feat only 10 percent of all major leaguers accomplish. The 32-year-old has played 7.5 seasons of his 11-year career with the Dodgers and 2.5 seasons with the Red Sox.

“It’s funny how things work,” Hernández said. “I’ve played for four teams, and the two I played the majority of my career with are here at Dodger Stadium on the day I celebrate my tenure. It’s a really beautiful thing.”

Hernández faced Jansen once back in 2022 when the right-hander was with the Atlanta Braves. Hernández broke his bat on the first pitch and flew out to the warning track. Jansen chirped him all the way back to the dugout.

Jansen didn’t have any words for his old teammate this time around. The ball was crushed and both men knew it was gone off the bat.

“If he did, I didn’t hear it because the stadium was loud, and I kind of blacked out because it had been a while since I did something in a big moment in this stadium,” Hernández said. “But I’m sure he might have some words tomorrow (Sunday).”

In the bottom of the 10th, Hernández worked his way back to a full count and lined a 96-mph sinker to center for a single and a 6-6 tie. He was thrown out at second trying to advance on the throw home but the tying run had already scored.

The next inning had Hernández on second base as the inherited runner. He came around to score on a bases-loaded single by Will Smith.

“My family did a really good job this morning of making sure that I enjoy today,” Hernández said. “I had two big moments in the game, and I’m glad we got the win. It’s been a special day for me.”

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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