SAN DIEGO — Freddie Freeman sat in front of his locker on Tuesday night, disbelief written all over his face, uttering the same phrase over and over.
“I can’t believe it,” he repeated. “It’s just incredible.”
In that game, Freeman hit two home runs, contributing to the Dodgers’ 5-4 triumph over the Padres. Their bullpen delivered an impressive five scoreless innings, propelling the Dodgers back to first place in the National League West.
However, a different moment really struck Freeman. He praised Andy Pages for what he called “one of the best at-bats I’ve ever seen in person.”
“We were all just like, ‘Wow,'” he said.
Pages stepped up in the ninth inning during a crucial moment of the game, with the score tied. Facing one of the top closers in baseball, he felt it was the Dodgers’ best chance to turn things around.
“I never thought he would strike me out or overpower me,” Pages said in Spanish. “I was totally confident that we could get the ball in play.”
Nine pitches later, he did just that.
1st pitch: outside corner slider, foul back.
Mason Miller has been a dominant pitcher this season. Out of his first 21 appearances, 20 were scoreless. He struck out 45 out of 84 batters faced, completed all 15 of his save opportunities, and hadn’t lost in over a year.
But on this night, Miller hit a snag. In Pages’ earlier appearance, he’d given up a walk to Max Muncy due to a full-count slider that was initially called a strike but overturned by a challenge. After catching a pinch runner, he then overshot a pickoff attempt that allowed the runner to reach third base.
All of a sudden, the winning run was just 90 feet away.
Pitch 2: 161 mph fastball well outside, fouled back.
In the previous game against Miller, Pages managed to stay engaged, chasing a low slider and rolling to third for the tying play.
Teammate Teoscar Hernandez noted that Pages absorbed and adapted from that experience. “I knew he’d perform better this time,” he said.
With Miller regaining composure after an error, Pages stepped into the box, radiating conviction.
Pitch 3: 162 mph, well above the strike zone, laid off.
Pages has also been shining this year. He entered the game leading his team in batting average (.299) and was just behind Max Muncy in OPS (.865), as well as close in RBIs (41).
He spent the offseason honing his swing and pitch recognition, utilizing tools like the club’s augmented reality machine and consulting with top players.
For those around him, it was clear that the 25-year-old outfielder had moved past the slump he experienced in last year’s playoffs.
“Andy’s a tough kid,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He’s motivated.”
Roberts noted that Pages felt every at-bat in that game mattered significantly, emphasizing determination. “It was him against Mason Miller, and he was determined to win.”
Pitch 4: A 162 mph fastball fouled off, crossing into the first base line.
Pages quickly realized he had timed Miller’s fastball effectively with a shorter swing and perfectly timed leg kick, despite the pitch’s average speed being the fastest in the majors.
“I think he saw that I was on time,” Pages reflected. “Some of his previous pitches were unnervingly fast, but I just focused on the moment.”
With Frye giving the Dodgers the lead, Pages was secure in the knowledge that Miller couldn’t easily strike him out.
Pitch 5: The slider landed far outside the plate and was ruled another ball.
What makes Miller exceptionally challenging is not just his fierce fastball but also a low-80s mph slider that confounds hitters. Pages, however, possesses a unique contact ability that lets him adjust mid-swing, something not common among many players.
“When he’s locked in during critical moments, that’s when he can shine,” said assistant hitting coach Aaron Bates.
Pitch 6: A 161 mph fastball barely in range fouled back.
This season, Pages has managed to maintain consistency, a struggle for him before. Coaches have frequently praised his growth, with Roberts pointing out how he’s learned to handle dips in performance without swinging too high or low.
“He focused solely on that at-bat,” Roberts stated.
Pitch 7: A slider fouled off high, landing over the home plate screen.
Pages sensed a shift in momentum during the at-bat. “In the beginning, Miller seemed more confident, but I think my ability to hit foul balls changed the dynamics,” he said. “His confidence dipped, and mine went up.”
Pitch 8: Miller tried everything, even varying speeds with his sliders.
After significant variation in pitches that evening, Miller returned to the high-speed fastball.
Pitch 9: Fastball raised high, Pages sent it into play.
Pages hammered a line drive deep into right field, notching the decisive sacrifice fly and sealing the Dodgers’ victory. He tossed his bat aside as cheers erupted, and Fernando Tatis Jr. made a cut relay throw, narrowly missing the tag.
“Hitting 102 is probably the hardest thing,” Freeman commented. “The back-and-forth was remarkable; Pages showcased an incredible at-bat.”
Once back in the dugout, the Padres’ challenge momentarily halted the celebration, but when the call was upheld, Cole offered a congratulatory high-five.
“Winning is what matters most,” Pages said. “When you’re confident and connected to your pitcher, good things happen.”
As the game continued, Pages returned to center field, witnessing his teammates secure the final outs and enjoying the electric atmosphere of the clubhouse.
“Mason’s a top-tier pitcher,” Roberts said, “and Andy excelled in that critical moment.”
“That at-bat was impressive,” Freeman reiterated.
