"It's definitely special just to be back out here. And then to contribute on top of it - it's a good feeling" - Max Muncy following Dodgers win
It didn't take long for Max Muncy to start hitting for the bleachers, as he hit a home run in his first game back following his close-to-three-month stint on the injured list. It must be in the Los Angeles Dodgers' genes, as Mookie Betts also hit one upon his return.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers went on to win 3-0 after Muncy and Gavin Lux hit homers, driving in three runs in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners. The Dodgers third baseman, in his third plate appearance, crushed the ball for Statcast's projected 400-foot home run off Seattle reliever Yimi García.
After the game, Muncy was excited about his contribution to the win:
"It was a really long three months for me, and it kind of felt like your season was starting to get taken away a little bit. So it was definitely special just to be back out here, and to contribute on top of it — good feeling," Muncy told Dodgers sideline reporter Kirsten Watson.
"Just trying to get something up, stay out of the double play, and do what I do best—hit the ball in the air. He left one up for me, I got the barrel to it, and it was a really good swing. It just felt really good," he added.
It has been a long journey for Max Muncy after he was sidelined with a right oblique strain on May 17. Since he did put in the hard yards, it seems his swing couldn't have arrived at a better time.
Max Muncy feels special to be back and gets applauded by Dodgers fan base
On Monday, when Muncy took the plate in the second inning, he received a round of applause from Dodgers fans at the stadium.
Talking about it with Watson, he said:
"It's hard to describe. You know, this place is special. It's always been special to me. And so to be able to make a comeback here and get a good swing like that, felt pretty good."
It was not only Max Muncy who was activated off the injured list before Monday's game. Tommy Edman also returned and managed to steal a base in the seventh inning.
Furthermore, Gavin Stone pitched a 10-yard strikeout gem from the mound, throwing seven scoreless innings while only allowing two hits and two walks.