Kike Hernadez takes Josh Hader deep to give the Dodgers the lead, a breakdown.

Apr 20, 2019 95.6K views 1:32

What Happened

In a crucial eighth-inning moment, Kiké Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers steps up to the plate against dominant Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader. The Dodgers trail by one run with two outs and runners on base. Hader, one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, has never allowed a hit to Hernández in their previous matchups. Hader quickly jumps ahead in the count, blowing a 94 mph fastball past Hernández for strike one. The next pitch comes inside, with Hernández barely avoiding the high-and-tight fastball. The Dodgers' utility man argues the call, but the umpire rightly rules it a strike. Now down 0-2, Hernández digs in, refusing to give away this critical at-bat. Hader winds up and unleashes another blazing fastball, but this time Hernández is ready. He swings with all his might and crushes the pitch, sending it soaring over the wall for a go-ahead three-run home run. The Miller Park crowd falls silent as Hernández rounds the bases, his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates erupting in celebration in the dugout. "I gotcha," Hernández exclaims, having solved the Hader puzzle that has puzzled so many other hitters. It's the first time in Hader's career that he has surrendered three earned runs in an outing, a testament to Hernández's clutch hitting. Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, sporting his signature unruly hairstyle, jubilantly congratulates Hernández as the Dodgers take the lead late in this pivotal National League matchup. The go-ahead blast sets off a raucous celebration among the Dodgers, who know they have seized control of this tight ballgame against their NL rivals. Hernández's heroics have given Los Angeles a critical advantage as they look to secure an important road victory and inch closer to the Brewers in the standings.

Full Transcript

Click timestamps to jump to that moment

this was probably the biggest at-bat

yesterday as you can see to to game top

eight two outs two on haters pitching

he's got 31 pitches Hernandez at

the plate he's over 5 verse hater