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Betts Returns, Sparks Dodgers' 7-Game Streak vs Padres

7/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mookie Betts returned to the Dodgers’ cleanup spot on July 2, starting a seven-game hitting streak.
The Dodgers opened a four-game series vs. the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium with Roki Sasaki pitching.
They came in with a 24-11 record over the last 35 games and a 12-game NL West lead.
Manager Dave Roberts said Betts is in a better mental place than last season and expects continued improvement.

History

Historical Context

On April 15, 1947, Branch Rickey placed Jackie Robinson in the Brooklyn Dodgers lineup, breaking baseball’s color barrier. Robinson’s debut sparked the integration of the majors and helped the Dodgers win the NL pennant that season. Nearly eight decades later, Mookie Betts’ July 2 return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ cleanup spot fuels a 12-game NL West lead, echoing the franchise’s historic resurgence.

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Story summary

Mookie Betts returned to the Dodgers’ cleanup spot on July 2, starting a seven-game hitting streak.
The Dodgers opened a four-game series vs. the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium with Roki Sasaki pitching.
They came in with a 24-11 record over the last 35 games and a 12-game NL West lead.
Manager Dave Roberts said Betts is in a better mental place than last season and expects continued improvement.

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