Eliezer Alfonzo, just two weeks after an unimaginable tragedy forced his major-league debut, finally got his first big-league hit Sunday, sending a first-pitch cutter screaming into shallow center field. It was a heartwarming moment, the kind of raw emotion that transcends the game, even as the Dodgers ultimately fell 2-1 to the Yankees in Game 2 of their doubleheader. Losing the finale meant the Dodgers settled for a series win at Yankee Stadium, missing out on the sweep.
A Hit That Meant More Than Just One Base
Before Sunday’s game, Alfonzo had been 0 for 9 at the plate, struggling to get on base while carrying an incredible burden. The morning of his debut, his sister and stepmother were found dead after devastating earthquakes hit Venezuela. He still played, honoring them on the field, and his familiarity with the Dodgers pitching staff from spring training had helped provide some stability while Will Smith is sidelined indefinitely with a neck injury. But the offense just wasn’t there. Then came the third inning of Game 2. After making contact, Alfonzo rounded first base, kissed his closed right hand, and pointed to the sky. He grinned, lifting both fists above his head, and his teammates, knowing exactly what that moment meant, made sure to get the ball back. Teoscar Hernández held it up for him, a powerful gesture for an unforgettable moment. It didn’t start a rally, no, but it was a moment everyone in baseball needed to witness.
Clutch Defense and a Late-Game Heartbreaker
Alfonzo wasn’t done making an impact, though. In the bottom of the fourth, with Dodgers right-hander Edgardo Henriquez faltering , back-to-back walks and a wild pitch had put runners on second and third , Alfonzo squashed a potential Yankees rally. José Caballero hit a grounder to third baseman Max Muncy, and Anthony Volpe, the Yankees baserunner on third, took off. Muncy fired to Alfonzo, who was set up on the inside of the basepath, and Alfonzo made a diving tag on Volpe, preventing a run. That’s the kind of play that wins ballgames.
The Dodgers, running a bullpen game, used seven pitchers who combined to hold the Yankees to just two runs through eight innings. Brock Stewart was absolutely clutch in the fifth, entering with no outs and the bases loaded, then retiring three straight batters before throwing a clean sixth. Alex Vesia struck out the side in the seventh, keeping the Yankees in check. Utility man Tommy Edman then blasted a pinch-hit homer in the eighth, tying the score. But baseball can be brutal, and Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a solo shot off Evan Phillips in the very next inning, giving the Yankees the 2-1 win.
The Dodgers, now 63-37, will be looking to bounce back after that tough loss. They showed resilience to take the series, but you know they wanted that sweep.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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