Dodgers' Mookie Betts Talks 'Super Special' Walk-Off HR vs. Tigers After Illness

A rough two weeks for Mookie Betts gave way to a thrilling moment on Friday night when he hit two homers, including a walk-off three-run blast, in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 8-5 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Betts spoke about the "super special" moment he had at Dodger Stadium after battling an illness for an extended period of time:

"That was super special. I know it sounds super selfish, but more for me. I was really proud of myself for coming in and playing underweight. Not that it's a big deal playing underweight, but just the fight that I've kind of been through—the ups and downs, and the nights I'm just crying because I'm sick, and my wife's there holding me. That's where the emotion comes from."

The Dodgers opened the 2024 regular season in Tokyo with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs from March 18-19, but Betts returned to the United States ahead of time because of an illness.

While the exact illness has not been confirmed by the Dodgers, Jack Smith of the Los Angeles Times reported on March 24 that Betts was dealing with norovirus.

Betts told reporters after Sunday's exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels his weight was down to 157 pounds and he couldn't keep food in his system.

Despite the weight loss, Betts was healthy enough to be back in the Dodgers' lineup for their series opener against the Tigers on Thursday. He finished 1-for-3 while playing shortstop.

Friday showed that Betts is still capable of being an impact player, despite not being in peak physical condition. The eight-time All-Star went 3-for-5 with two homers, four RBI and three runs scored.

After the Tigers tied the game at three with two runs in the ninth and took a 5-3 lead with two more runs in the top of the 10th, the Dodgers responded with five runs in the bottom of the frame to get their fourth straight win to start the season.