Kyle Tucker blasted a two-run home run AND stole a base in the same game Saturday, a feat only 13 other Dodgers have ever pulled off in postseason history. It was the absolute spark Los Angeles needed to kick off their NLDS, securing a huge 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 at Dodger Stadium.
King Tuck Showing Up When It Counts
Tucker’s two-run shot in the sixth inning was one of three Dodgers dingers on the day. Two innings earlier, in the fourth, he singled and then snagged second base, showing off that lethal combo of power and speed we know he’s capable of. The guy was locked in, no doubt.
“I’m just trying to swing at good pitches, trying to put the barrel on the ball, having competitive at-bats, and keep the line moving,” Tucker said after the game. He’s clearly bought into that team-first mentality, giving credit where it’s due. “Our pitching staff has done a good job all year long giving us opportunities to win games, so we’re just trying to do our part.” You love to hear that from a guy who’s just dropped his seventh home run in his last 23 games. Talk about red hot coming into October!
Joining Postseason Royalty
This wasn’t just some regular highlight reel moment. Hitting a homer and stealing a base in a postseason game has only happened 14 times in Dodgers history, ever. Think about that for a second. We’re talking legends like Wes Parker in the 1965 World Series, Freddie Freeman in that insane 18-inning Game 3 of the 2025 World Series, and now King Tuck. Davey Lopes and Max Muncy are the only other Dodgers to do it twice in the postseason. That’s elite company.
Four of those 14 times, including Tucker’s, came against the Braves, often at Dodger Stadium. It proves this isn’t just a fluke, it’s a statement. And it’s a huge moment for Tucker himself, who had his lowest power output since 2020 this season, finishing with 17 home runs in 154 games. But he was opportunistic when it counted, stealing 12 bases and never getting caught. His career averages are 27 homers and 21 steals, showing that Saturday’s performance was a return to his usual dynamic self.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t shy away from Tucker’s season-long grind. “It’s been well talked about, the struggles he had this year,” Roberts said. “I give him a lot of credit for grinding through it, not running from it, always posting and kind of getting to the other side of it.” Roberts knows what this means for the team’s ultimate goal. “Obviously for us it’s about winning a championship. Our fans, they really remember what you do in the postseason. So this is certainly a way to change the story for a season in 2026.”
Game 1 is in the books, and the Dodgers are up 1-0 in the NLDS. That kind of performance from Tucker, showing off both his raw power and his incredible speed, sets the tone perfectly. It’s exactly what they need as they push for a title. Now it’s about keeping that momentum rolling and taking care of business in Game 2. You know the Braves are going to fight back, but with guys like Tucker stepping up when it matters most, anything is possible for this squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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