"It was special to share these moments with my family and get a home run" - Dodgers star Max Muncy reflects on win and bobblehead night
Max Muncy delivered on his bobblehead night on Wednesday with a solo homer that was part of a four-home run first inning for the LA Dodgers. After squandering a significant lead, LA bounced back to take the 10-8 win against the Chicago Cubs in the series finale.
The Dodgers needed a win after losing the first two games against the Cubs at home. Shohei Ohtani went deep in the leadoff spot in the first for his career-high 47th home run of the season. Tommy Edman hit a two-run shot before Will Smith went back-to-back. Muncy wouldn't disappoint either, as he crushed a 401-foot home run to right field.
Dodger Stadium erupted as the third baseman trodded the bases to score. The first 40,000 fans to enter the stadium received Max Muncy bobbleheads. After the game, an emotional Muncy spoke about the joyous occasion of having his family celebrate his special night with him.
"It was fun. It was the first time my daughter's been there on the field to throw the ball, so it was a lot fun for me," Muncy said. "A little bit emotional. Just to get out that first innings with a good start was a lot of fun for me. I couldn't stop smiling."
Max Muncy's daughter Sophie Kate throws out ceremonial first pitch
Max Muncy's daughter Sophie Kate threw out the first pitch to celebrate her dad's bobblehead night. Sophie wore a blue T-shirt with her father's face on it. She stood a few feet away from the home plate and threw somewhat of a wild pitch that didn't reach her father Max, who was the catcher. The pair posed for the cameras after the ceremonial pitch.
Max Muncy's 1 for 2 night with two runs scored, two walks and one home run improved his season's average to .230. The infielder would be looking to keep getting better as the regular season draws to a conclusion.
The Dodgers needed that win after losing five of their last nine games. They still hold a five-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West standings but are now trailing the Philadelphia Phillies for the overall best record in all of baseball.