Total package: Betts paying off big for Dodgers in every way

Mookie Betts slid hefirst across home plate, n popped up and did a double pump with his right fist. An inning later, he got to trot around bases after going deep.

That big commitment to Betts is alrey paying off for Los Angeles Dodgers this postseason.

After run-saving catches in three consecutive potential elimination games to get Dodgers this far, Betts put his speed, instincts and power on display in Game 1 of World Series. re was a Ruth-like journey around bases to score — and that was before his solo homer in an 8-3 win over Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.

Betts led off Dodgers fifth with a walk and stole second base. After NL Championship Series MVP Corey Seagar drew a walk behind him, y pulled off a double steal. n, with Rays infield playing in, Max Muncy hit a bouncer to first baseman Yandy Diaz, who threw on run after Betts broke quickly for plate. He slid past attempted tag for a 3-1 le.

only or player with a walk and multiple stolen bases in an inning during a World Series game was Babe Ruth in 1921.

When Betts led off sixth with an opposite-field homer to right to make it 7-1, that was only his second career postseason homer — or came in 2018 World Series for Boston in a five-game series win over Dodgers.

Los Angeles acquired four-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner from Red Sox in February, even agreeing to pay Boston $48 million over three years as part of deal, which also brought Dodgers left-hander David Price, who opted out of playing this season because of coronavirus pandemic.

Alrey signed to a $27 million, one-year deal that would have me star right fielder eligible for free ncy this offseason, 28-year-old Betts agreed in July to a $365 million, 12-year contract that includes a $65 million signing bonus guaranteed against work stopps and shortened seasons such as this one.

In clinching Game 7 of National League Championship Series two nights earlier against Atlanta Braves, when Dodgers trailed 3-2 in fifth inning, Betts sprinted 64 feet to wall and jumped with his glove above top of 8-foot wall to rob leing NL MVP contender Freddie Freeman of a home run. Dodgers went on to win that game 4-3.

re was also an impressive catch in 3-1 win in Game 6 when he robbed Marcell Ozuna of extra bases to end fifth inning with a runner on base. Betts h a running, shoestring grab game before that to start a double play that took an Atlanta run off scoreboard.

For all he's doing for Dodgers this postseason, y're t even only ones benefiting. Betts' initial stolen base against Rays secured everyone in nation a free taco as part of Taco Bell’s annual “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion.

Im credits: AP