Andy Pages: ‘Very Special’ To Hit First MLB Home Run

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Originally published by DodgerBlue.com

The Los Angeles Dodgers received home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Andy Pages to back a strong performance by Tyler Glasnow in a 10-0 win over the New York Mets that snapped a three-game losing streak.

Ohtani’s two-run blast in the third inning gave him the MLB record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player, with his 176th passing Hideki Matsui.

Pages’ three-run shot in the fifth was the first home run of his big league career and capped off an eight-run inning for the Dodgers. “It’s very exciting to hit a home run against the best players in the world. It’s very special,” Pages said through an interpreter.

With Jason Heyward still on the 10-day injured list due to lower back tightness, Pages was recalled last week and is making the most of his opportunity. Through five games, he has gone 4-for-18 with two doubles, one home run, three RBI and five runs scored.

Andy Pages got the ball back from his 1st career homer. pic.twitter.com/WW3QVLgtNq

— Blake (@ByBlakeWilliams) April 21, 2024

“Trying to do my best, trying to be the best of me,” Pages said of his early success. “I’m taking the advice from the coaches and just trying to do everything and making the adjustments with the coaching staff.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been impressed with Pages so far and confirmed he will continue getting starts in the short term. “First Major League homer, big memory, big moment for him,” Roberts said.

“I think for Andy, he’s very even-keeled and understands what he’s trying to do at the plate, and doesn’t come out of it. But he still has the ability to manipulate the bat.

“Almost got an 0-2 breaking ball base hit in one of his at-bats. He’s gotten some big hits for us. So he’ll be out there the next few games as well.”

Andy Pages home run ball

The fan who caught Pages’ first MLB home run agreed to give the ball back, which the 23-year-old was happy to show to members of the media in the clubhouse.

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