Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Joc Pederson. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Dodger punishes old team with clutch home run

By Matthew Brown | Last updated 5/22/24

In his seven years as a Los Angeles Dodger, Joc Pederson blasted 73 home runs at Chavez Ravine. On Tuesday night he delivered a back-breaking home run, this time as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Joc Pederson gives the @DBacks some breathing room. pic.twitter.com/wMOLQo8BL0
— MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2024

Pederson came to bat against Michael Grove in the top of the seventh inning of a tightly contested 4-3 game. Grove left a slider over the middle of the plate and Pederson crushed it for a three-run home run, giving Arizona a 7-3 lead.

The Diamondbacks would go on to win by that score.

It was the sixth home run of the year for the Palo Alto native and extended his current hitting streak to six games.

Pederson came into the game as one of the hottest hitters in May. In 51 plate appearances this month, he is slashing .354/.392/.625 which is good for a 1.017 OPS.

2024 so far has actually been Pederson's best year offensively. His career batting average heading into this year was .237, but in 41 games this season he is hitting .318. His OBP and slugging percentage are both above his career norm.

Since leaving the Dodgers, Pederson hasn't had great success against Los Angeles. His home run on Tuesday was only his third in 97 at-bats against the Dodgers. Before Tuesday's game, Pederson was hitting just .185/.280/.304 in 37 games.

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