Dodgers secure a 7-4 victory over the Red Sox, winning the series

Mookie Betts glanced at the cluster of reporters gathering around his locker in the visitor's clubhouse at Fenway Park and inquired, "Didn't anyone else have a good game?"

While it's true that many of his Dodgers teammates performed well, the spotlight was naturally on Mookie. Despite the standout efforts from others, baseball enthusiasts, particularly those in Boston, were still eager to hear from him.

Returning to Boston, the 2018 AL MVP (and a strong contender for this year's NL MVP) continued to shine, recording his second consecutive three-hit game. He punctuated his return with a two-run home run, igniting the Dodgers to a 7-4 victory against his former team on Sunday.

Acknowledging the emotional significance, Betts stated, "Undoubtedly, the emotions were present. I allowed myself to feel them. But I also allowed myself to move on."

Betts had triumphed with the Red Sox in the 2018 World Series and later secured another championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers after he was traded there in spring 2019 as part of a financial decision.

Freddie Freeman also contributed with three hits, and James Outman added a home run, propelling the Dodgers to a remarkable 21-4 record in the month of August. Gavin Stone (1-0) secured his inaugural career victory, taking the baton from opener Caleb Ferguson. Stone contained the Boston lineup to just two runs over the ensuing six innings, although he surrendered back-to-back home runs to open the eighth inning.

Marking his first appearance in Boston as an opponent with the Red Sox, Mookie Betts garnered a total of seven hits and received a series of standing ovations throughout the three-game series. On Sunday, he acknowledged the crowd with a tip of his batting helmet before initiating the game with a single.

Betts reached third base after a double by Freeman, yet Tanner Houck (3-8) managed to escape the inning without conceding a run. The Dodgers registered a single run in the fourth inning and another in the fifth. Betts then cleared the Green Monster with a home run in the sixth, expanding the lead to 4-0.

This marked his 35th home run of the season, matching his career-best record set in the previous year. As he rounded the bases, Betts raised his arm in celebration, and the Fenway Park fans showed their appreciation for the 2018 AL MVP with a blend of applause and rhythmic chants of "Mookie!"

"It's not easy to maintain focus on the task at hand," acknowledged Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who himself is celebrated in Boston for his memorable stolen base during the 2004 AL Championship Series.

"I'm sure he's going to have a restful night's sleep tonight. He's likely feeling both physically and emotionally drained," Roberts commented. "Yet, he's a true professional and excels at compartmentalizing. It's truly enjoyable when you have high expectations for a superstar, and he consistently delivers. And that's exactly what he did."

In the sixth inning, Triston Casas homered for Boston. However, James Outman promptly responded with an RBI single in the seventh. Betts continued to shine, contributing with a single that drove in one run and scoring another in the eighth inning, further extending the lead to 7-2. The score was later narrowed to 7-4 after Justin Turner and Adam Duvall homered, forcing Gavin Stone out of the game in the eighth.

Former Boston reliever Ryan Brasier took the mound and efficiently retired the next three batters. Evan Phillips then closed out the game with a strong ninth inning, securing his 21st save of the season. Freeman showcased his prowess with two doubles, increasing his season total to a league-leading 50 doubles — a feat not accomplished by a Dodger since the franchise's move to Los Angeles in 1958.

Collectively, Betts and Freeman amassed a total of 14 hits throughout the series.

Roberts expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "These two individuals positioned at the forefront of our batting order delivered an exceptional series, and it was truly exciting to witness. I can't recall a recent memory of seeing two players perform in the way they did, showcasing excellence on both sides of the game."

After initiating the season with a 3-0 record accompanied by a 4.29 ERA, Tanner Houck experienced a downturn, suffering eight consecutive losses. He remains winless at 0-2 in his two starts since his return from a two-month stint on the injured list, which was prompted by a line drive hitting him in the face on June 16.

The Dodgers will kick off a three-game series at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. Right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller (7-3) is slated to start for Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are set to engage in a three-game series against the Houston Astros, starting Monday night. Left-handed pitcher Chris Sale (5-3) will take the mound for Boston, while Houston's Cristian Javier (9-2) will be his opposing pitcher.