Kyle Tucker regained some of his early-season form with a two-game home run streak as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the New York Mets 4-3 on Saturday at Citi Field. Tucker’s towering solo shot came in the third inning off Mets pitcher Nolan McLean, providing the Dodgers with an early lead and marking his first consecutive games with a homer since joining the team.
Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers before the season, has struggled to match the production that earned him four consecutive All-Star selections in previous years. Through nearly two-thirds of the season, his performance has been inconsistent, with fewer home runs and plate discipline challenges. Nevertheless, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism ahead of the series, stating that Tucker’s improvement was ongoing, even if it had yet to reach its full potential.
The third inning home run helped spark a three-run frame, aided by a Mets throwing error and a passed ball, giving the Dodgers an early advantage in the game. Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered six strong innings, allowing only one run on a Bo Bichette single while scattering five singles and issuing three walks. Despite traffic on the bases, he managed to keep the Mets’ offense largely in check.
In addition to his home run, Tucker drew two walks in the game, ending a 12-game stretch without a walk the previous day. He acknowledged the frustration of inconsistent contact but emphasized his focus on battling through each at-bat and maintaining confidence. “I’ve, at times, thought I found something, or trying to turn the page, and it just kind of goes away and it’s back to square one,” Tucker said. “That’s where you’ve just kind of got to keep working, keep grinding and keep moving forward.”
Tucker nearly hit a second homer in the fourth inning, sending a fastball toward the left-field wall, only to be robbed by Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing. The Dodgers extended their lead with a single by Andy Pages in the fifth inning.
The Mets responded in the eighth inning when Edgardo Henriquez hit a batter and issued a walk to open the frame. Both runners eventually scored on a double by Mets pinch-hitter Tyrone Taylor off closer Tanner Scott, who subsequently stranded the bases loaded and secured the win as Brock Stewart recorded his first save of the season.
Tucker’s ninth home run of the year remains below his pace from last season when he hit nine by early May while with the Chicago Cubs. Despite the slow start, his recent performances suggest the potential to return to the form Los Angeles anticipated when acquiring the outfielder. With the regular season progressing, Tucker said he is focusing on each plate appearance without dwelling on past struggles, relying on support from teammates and coaches to regain his consistency as the Dodgers push toward the postseason.