Dodgers' Trayce Thompson slugs 3-homer game; makes some unique history

Callie Lawson-Freeman

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson slugged three home runs Saturday in a 10-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He racked up eight RBIs, more than double that of anyone else in the game.

Thompson is the eighth player in Dodgers history with an eight-RBI game. James Loney and Hall of Famer Gil Hodges are the only two players to exceed the amount for the franchise, with both having logged a nine-RBI game.

Somehow, none of those accomplishments was the most unique aspect of Thompson's performance.

While assisting his team in the blowout, Thompson maintained an unbelievable consistency: all three of his home runs had an exit velocity of 107.5 mph.

According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, it's the first time a player’s home runs had the same exit velocity in one game since Statcast began tracking the measure in 2015.

Apr 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Trayce Thompson (25) runs to home after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Trayce Thompson was historically consistent in his three-home run performance on Saturday. (Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports) (USA Today Sports / reuters)

The repeated velocity almost extended to the Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez, who hit a home run with an exit velocity of 107.4 mph on Saturday.

Each of Thompson's home runs came off a different pitcher. The first came in the 32-year-old's first at-bat of the season and was a grand slam off Arizona southpaw Madison Bumgarner in the first inning, giving the Dodgers a 5-0 lead.

Thompson's second home run was a three-run shot off Kevin Ginkel in the sixth. Thompson then ended his streak with a solo homer off Carlos Vargas in the eighth.

Thompson’s three homers Saturday tie him with Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron for the early league lead. Only three other players have a multi-home-run game so far this season: Boston Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson and Texas Rangers designated hitter Mitch Garver.

Thompson is the younger brother of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. He agreed on a one-year, $1.45 million contract with the Dodgers in January. In 2022, he recorded a .256 average with 13 home runs, 41 RBIs, 4 stolen bases and 36 runs across 219 at-bats with the Padres and Dodgers.

Advertisement