Mookie Betts delivered a heartfelt gift to his wife, Brianna, by driving in three runs during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the series opener at Dodger Stadium. The highlight came in the form of a two-run home run that helped the Dodgers overcome the Blue Jays on Friday night, marking a key moment for Betts in a challenging season.
This season has been difficult for Betts as he struggled to find his rhythm, entering the game with a career-low batting average of .236. The home run represented his first in several games and marked the first time since May that he recorded extra-base hits in three consecutive games, breaking a long home-run drought.
Betts dedicated this rebound performance to his wife, crediting her as a major source of confidence and support through his struggles.
“You get to a point where you just kind of look to find confidence anywhere,” Betts said via SportsNet LA. “And it’s kind of like you look everywhere but within yourself. And so I had to just kind of do some deep diving.
“Shout out to my wife. My wife is probably the No. 1 person that puts confidence in me. So, thank you, honey. And happy birthday. But yeah, I mean, it just took some of that and seeing a couple fall and then we should be okay,” he added.
Mookie and Brianna have shared a lifelong connection, with their relationship beginning in middle school when Betts was a year ahead. Together, they have two children: their son Taj, born in 2021, and their daughter Knylee, who arrived in 2023.
Facing Legendary Pitchers: Betts Reflects on Duel Between Hall of Famers
Betts’ two-run home run came against Max Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer who had yet to allow a run entering the bottom of the fifth inning. The game also featured Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw, another pitcher on track for Cooperstown induction, who delivered six innings of strong pitching, allowing just one run and securing the win.
Although many would find it daunting to face prominent Hall of Famers like Scherzer and Kershaw, Betts embraced the experience with gratitude and respect.
“I didn’t even think of it like that. You know, that’s awesome,” Betts remarked. “Like you said, two first-ballot Hall of Famers, they are duking it out. And in their almost 40s, you know, they’ve been doing it for a long time. And it’s just a blessing to get to play the game.”
With his own impressive career accolades, including an American League MVP award and multiple All-Star selections, Betts’ journey could eventually lead to Hall of Fame recognition. For now, his focus remains on contributing to the Dodgers’ success and adding to the team’s championship runs.