Freddie Freeman addressed reporters on June 28, 2026, after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-2, describing how his 9-pitch walk with the bases loaded in the fifth inning set the stage for a two-run hit by Mookie Betts.
Freeman said during the press conference that he entered the at-bat intending to be aggressive early, noting, "I wanted to be aggressive to the first pitch strike and I had a sweeper a little bit up and I felt off." As the count deepened, he shifted his focus to battling for a sacrifice fly, and ultimately laid off a changeup below the zone to draw the walk. He noted that the San Diego starter threw heavily off his changeup and front-door sinkers throughout the sequence, adding, "he went changeup a lot of changeups, front door sinkers, so just trying to battle."
Freeman also reflected on the team's broader offensive strategy entering the game. Knowing San Diego's bullpen depth — including a well-rested Mason Miller — the Dodgers prioritized getting the lead and forcing the starter out early. Freeman stated, "we know who's at the back end of that bullpen. So, getting the lead was huge and we take them out of the game if we got the lead." He noted that the San Diego starter, whom he acknowledged had historically pitched well against the Dodgers, was knocked out after four and a third innings — a result Freeman called a significant win for the club. Freeman also acknowledged that the previous game, though a loss, had succeeded in depleting San Diego's bullpen by forcing their top relievers, including Mason Miller, into action, explaining, "we got all their big guys in and I kind of changed the series of how they went about it."
Freeman summarized the team's formula plainly: "Good pitching, timely hitting, good defense. That's what won us the game today." He also praised the shortstop's contributions, noting strong defense since taking over the position and an improving offensive showing, and expressed cautious optimism about the shortstop's recent hot streak, saying, "he's swinging the bat really well. I'm not going to be the one to jinx it, either."
When asked about the final pitch of his walk and whether it would have held up on challenge, Freeman acknowledged he never consults the iPad replay, adding, "I don't ever look at the iPad. Glad he didn't call it. Maybe it makes up for the strikeout." He also referenced a shared observation with Max about the final double play, noting it looked familiar to both of them, and pointed to the shortstop's recent at-bat against Jason Adam as a tough one.