The greatness of 8: Kiké Hernández has big game on day when Lakers honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy
Los Angeles Dodgers' Kiké Hernández runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ashley Landis]
LOS ANGELES (AP) — It was fitting that Kiké Hernández would have a great game on an afternoon when former Lakers great Kobe Bryant was honored at Dodger Stadium. With fans wearing special jerseys honoring Bryant, Hernández — who wears No. 8 for the Dodgers — made a great defensive play and then hit a home run in the fifth inning of the Dodgers 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Before the game, 7-year-old Bianka Bryant threw out a ceremonial first pitch and 5-year-old Capri Bryant had the honors for the “It’s time for Dodger baseball” announcement — as Vanessa and Natalia Bryant looked on. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash along with Gigi Bryant and seven others in January 2020.
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Fans reach to catch a home run ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers' Kiké Hernández as he rounds the bases during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ashley Landis