Dodgers: Russell Martin, Justin Turner Lead Veteran Power Surge

On Monday night at Dodger Stadium, the spotlight was on the rookie Gavin Lux making his debut — and setting a record in the process. The offense exploded for 16 runs and easily took down the Rockies. Now on Tuesday night, it was a bit of a different story.

Los Angeles was held scoreless into the 7th inning when veteran backstop Russell Martin let the muscle out for a go-ahead 3-run shot. David Freese followed with a back-to-back effort that gave the Dodgers the 4-2 advantage.

THE VETS LEAD THE WAY. pic.twitter.com/2NoxKkikeM

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 4, 2019

As Labor Day was only a day before, social media took to using the refrain of “Veteran’s Day” for Martin and Freese. To help add to the narrative, Justin Turner chipped in a towering solo shot of his own before Kenley Jansen recorded his 28th save of the season (even if it was a bit of a high-wire act).

The full veteran experience.

After the game, NBC LA reporter Michael Duarte caught up with Russell Martin about the balanced attack of veterans and younger players on the Dodgers.

Russell Martin walks us through his home run at-bat against Shaw, and how Kenley Jansen looked tonight. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/aQAd5aQF4m

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) September 4, 2019

I think that baseball doesn’t discriminate age. You can be a good player and be young, and you can be a good player and a little bit older — and this team fortunately has both.

Both young and older quality players the team has indeed. It was 2-day veteran Gavin Lux who collected the first hit of the night for the club, and 11 season veteran Davin Freese who added the 2nd home run. Moreover, Justin Turner connected on his 27th home run of the season, tying his career high with 21 games to play.

Turner caught up with media after the game about the offensive output from “the old guys.”

I think we’re gonna go to Denny’s after this and get on the ’55 and over’ menu — order some Grand Slams…

Joking aside, the 8th inning shot continued a second half power surge for the 34 year-old third baseman. It was his 17th home run in 46 second half games.

With the win, Los Angeles moved to 91-50 on the season, tops in the National League, and half a game behind the New York Yankees for the best record in baseball. Their magic number sits at 5.

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