There are some players in MLB who are known for their post-season glories. Look at Derek Jeter, the former New York Yankee player. He got the nickname–Mr. November, not because it’s his favorite month –  that’s when he performed like an absolute beast. And of course, some are stellar during the regular season, but come October, they can’t perform like their regular self, like Aaron Judge. 

Enrique Hernandez from the Los Angeles Dodgers is the Jeter kind. He is the ultimate utility guy during the regular season, but when October rolls in—a different person. And his performance at game 3 of the NLCS speaks a thousand words. Facing the right-hander Reed Garrett, Hernandez took a two-out, two-strike pitch deep for a two-run homer. This catapulted the Dodgers lead to 4-0 in the sixth inning, and gave the cushion that they needed to comfortably win.

Hernandez powers the LA Dodgers to win against the Mets.

Before Enrique Hernandez hit, the LA Dodgers were leaving their runners stranded, letting the Mets hang in the game. Now, this is a risky move, ask the Phillies – they made these postseason mishaps too. But Hernandez’s smash gave the Dodgers the breathing room, marking his second homer of the postseason. His first shot was when he played against the San Diego Padres at Game 5 of the NDLS—a winning shot.

But the Game 3 with the New York Mets was more iconic because, with this shot, Hernandez also joined the elite club of 20 players with 15 postseason home runs! In-home runs, he is tied with a legend like Babe Ruth—a feat not many can touch. Enrique Hernandez sure is a powerhouse clutch performer. This October, he is hitting .333 and has two homers in six games. 

Backup catcher Austin Barnes was just in awe of Hernandez. According to him, playoffs are uncomfortable to some, but not for Hernandez, who seems to become hyper-focused and bear down in these moments. “He wants the moment. That’s a talent and a skill,” said Austin Barnes; the stats of Hernandez’s regular season and post-season are staggering indeed.

Enrique Hernandez – the October hero

“It just brings out the best in me,” said Enrique Hernandez about the postseason games after Game 3 on Wednesday. According to him, it’s his Latino blood, or maybe the way he drew up what October would feel like, that’s been helping him. And he isn’t wrong; while in the regular season, Enrique’s performance isn’t headline-grabbing, in the postseason—he is cranking homers rivaling Shohei Ohtani’s regular season numbers.

Hernandez just thrives under the pressure. This year, the postseason strikeouts have risen to a 23.4% rate but not for him. He managed to up his production and find power, without missing a beat. His regular season numbers are average, he slashed..229/.281/.373, and those numbers are below average. Moreover, Enrique Hernandez’s real power and strength is his power of versatility. He might not be the best at one thing, but the man has played every position except a catcher.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts best described, Hernandez after the NLDS game, “The great ones aren’t afraid to fail,” and that’s what makes him special. And now Hernandez has helped the Dodgers have the lead they need to march forward with confidence. Do you think Hernandez can keep up this pace in the upcoming games? Let us know in the comments.