BOSTON -- The anticipation for Mookie Betts' first appearance in Boston in four years was real. Before first pitch, Betts sat in the Fenway Park interview room and talked about what the city of Boston meant to him and how much he’s enjoying his time in Los Angeles.

The entire night was dedicated to celebrating Betts, who got a rousing ovation in his first at-bat and another one when a tribute video played on the big screen before the top of the second inning.

In the Dodgers’ 7-4 comeback win over the Red Sox on Friday at Fenway Park, it was Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ other former Most Valuable Player and one of the frontrunners for the award this season, who shined in the end with his fifth four-hit game of the 2023 season.

“I don’t take it for granted. I enjoy watching those guys,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I don’t know if it’s competing against each other, but I do see them raise the level of play for each other. I think it’s sort of game-to-game and series-to-series. One game Mookie throws five hits, and the next game it’s Freddie’s turn.”

Through five innings, the Dodgers’ offense was quieted by Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford. But in the sixth, Betts led off the frame with a double to jumpstart the Dodgers’ offense (extending his hit streak to 13 games), something he’s done time and time again this season.

Freeman then continued the rally with a single, putting the pressure on the Red Sox. Will Smith followed with an RBI double and Kiké Hernández capped off a three-run sixth with a game-tying RBI single off reliever Nick Pivetta.

“Mookie got us started,” Freeman said.

While Betts, who said he enjoyed getting through his return to Boston and the reception from the fans, started the rally, it was Freeman who added the finishing touches.

Freeman went 4-for-5 on Friday, including the go-ahead RBI double off Pivetta to put the Dodgers out in front for good in the seventh inning. With that double, the 2020 National League MVP set a career high with 48 doubles this season. It also puts Freeman just one double shy of tying the L.A. Dodgers record set by Shawn Green in ‘03. At this rate, Freeman is on pace to hit 60 doubles this season.

“We’re just trying to do our job and help win games, win the division and win a World Series,” Freeman said. “Obviously, Mookie’s crazy on fire right now. I’m just trying to follow along, keep the line moving and score some runs. His August -- pretty much his last 60, 70 games have been pretty incredible.”

Freeman is right. Betts’ August is among one of the best months of his career. With a 1-for-4 day, the ‘18 American League MVP is hitting .453 (39-for-86) with seven homers and 21 RBIs in 22 games this month. Of those 22 games, Betts has recorded at least one hit in 21 of those.

On the other hand, Freeman’s August hasn’t been too shabby, either. Freeman is hitting .396 (36-for-91) with two homers and 13 doubles. Friday was the second four-hit game this month for Freeman.

“We know what’s going on, but I think we thrive on that pressure,” Betts said, when asked if he’s aware of the historic season he and Freeman are having atop the Dodgers’ lineup. “We push each other. I’m telling him, ‘Come on, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.’ He’ll say the same thing to me.”

Over the next two months, the Dodgers will ultimately go as far as Betts and Freeman take them. Both are having one of their best seasons of their respective careers. And the Dodgers, who improved to 20-3 in August behind the two MVP candidates, are enjoying every second of it. 

“We’re just trying to stay strong and get this division taken care of,” Freeman said. “And head into the playoffs and have a better playoffs.”