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Dodgers: Mookie Betts homers for first time in front of fans at Dodger Stadium

By Thomas Carannante |
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Cody Bellinger #35, Mookie Betts #50, and Tony Gonsolin #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during the ring ceremony prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on April 09, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Cody Bellinger #35, Mookie Betts #50, and Tony Gonsolin #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during the ring ceremony prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on April 09, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Though the Los Angeles Dodgers swept their home-opening series against the Washington Nationals, fans were still deprived of a truly memorable weekend.

Cody Bellinger was out after being placed on the injured list. Mookie Betts suffered a back injury that left him day-to-day and out for the three games. Reports of Trevor Bauer’s game-used baseballs being investigated kind of overshadowed things.

But it seems Dodgers fans will just have to take their MLB-best record and enjoy other bits of good news and unforgettable moments as they come. Can’t have your cake and eat it, can ya?

The silver lining? Now you can say you were at or watched the first game back at Dodger Stadium when Betts homered in front of fans.

https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1382172446023843840

An absolute tank! Welcome (for real!) Mookie! He knew the fans couldn’t wait any longer for that.

Betts’ inaugural season with the Dodgers, after the blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox brought him across the country, took place in the middle of a global pandemic. A shortened 60-game campaign. No fans in the stands. And though LA won the World Series, the city didn’t get a parade.

So you can understand why fans, some of whom were waiting since the moment last year ended for opening weekend to see Betts live in action, were bummed when he couldn’t play.

But there ya have it. An epic highlight for all.

Earlier in the game, fans were treated to back-to-back jacks in the first inning. First Corey Seager, then Chris Taylor.

This offense continues to hum along. They’re now already up 5-0 on the Rockies. It really doesn’t matter who ends up missing time. The stars continue to rake and the bench players fill in admirably as needed. The offense overwhelms. The pitching performs up to task, most impressively when holding their own if the offense gets cold at times.

Get ready for a wild ride in 2021, Dodgers fans. You’ll get to see it up close this time.

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