Blake Snell drops 1-word reaction after Kike Hernandez makes game-saving play down the stretch vs Nationals

Modified Apr 12, 2025 08:04 GMT

Blake Snell drops 1-word reaction after Kike Hernandez makes game saving play down the stretch vs Nationals

While LA Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman continue to miss games, utility man Kike Hernandez is making sure the club is not lacking Gold Glove defense at first. Hernandez occupied Freeman's spot during Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals and made a jaw-dropping play in the ninth inning.

Facing Dodgers closer Blake Treinen with two men on in a 6-5 ballgame, Nationals leadoff hitter CJ Abrams hit the ball left of Hernandez, who made a diving play to stop the ball and proceeded to catch Dylan Crew short at second base to record the second out in the inning.

The Dodgers' social media posted a video of the pivotal play, as Treinen went on to retire James Wood in a groundout to earn his team their 10th win of the season.

Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell liked what he saw and shared a one-word reaction to Kike Hernandez's game-saving play.

"dawg," he wrote.

Dodgers skipper praises Kike Hernandez's stellar play in post-game interview

If not for Kike Hernandez, CJ Abrams would have driven in Paul DeJong from second while Dylan Crews would have reached second base safely. The potential run would have tied the ball game 6-6 and the Dodgers could have been looking down the barrel of a potential loss in an already tough road trip.

However, Hernandez denied all of that with his play, as the Dodgers capped off their trip with a 6-5 win.

After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lavished praise on some of his star performers, including Hernandez.

"To cough up the lead when you score four runs in the first, it's really disheartening," Roberts said via MLB. "But the way that guys just continue to play, and … the Kiké play, and Andy showed some life, which is great for him. And then Teo just found a way to will himself to drive in a run.

"Those are things that are positives. … It never feels good losing a series, but when you win that last one to salvage it, it's not so bad."

Hernandez went 0-for-3 with a walk at the plate.

Roberts also praised Teoscar Hernandez, who had a big night, contributing three RBIs, including a home run.

With the win, the Dodgers improved to 10-4.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Brad Taningco