The Los Angeles Dodgers were responsible for a plethora of web gems during the 2020 postseason, many of which came from Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. The latter’s home run-saving catch in Game 2 of the National League Division Series tops the DodgerBlue.com rankings.
After extending the Dodgers’ lead with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth, Bellinger took one away from the San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. three innings later.
The 2019 NL MVP leaped at the wall and timed his jump perfectly to rob Tatis of what would’ve been a go-ahead, two-run homer. Making the catch all the more impressive was that the ball had a 105 mph exit velocity, 33 degree launch angle and expected batting average of .860.
Given the circumstances, Bellinger was more pleased with his web gem than the home run he hit earlier in the game. “In that situation, that was cool,” he said.
“People have asked me if I’d rather hit a home run or rob a home run, it’s about the same,” he said. “In that circumstance, robbing that home run felt pretty good.”
The historic night put Bellinger in uncharted territory. He became the first player to hit a home run and rob a home run in the same postseason since ESPN began tracking the stat in 2012.
Bellinger’s robbery of Tatis wound up being even more important considering the Padres tacked on two runs off Kenley Jansen in the ninth. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was well aware of the magnitude of the catch and offered high praise for Bellinger after the game.
“Great players make great plays in big moments,” Roberts said. “Cody did just that. I just don’t know many guys that can make that play. Got turned around a little bit, but still recovered. His length and ability to jump, control his body, it was a game-changing play.”
Best Dodgers moments of 2020 postseason
No. 2: Justin Turner dives for double play
No. 3: Walker Buehler embraces pressure in NLCS
No. 4: Mookie Betts makes trio of highlight-reel catches
No. 5: Corey Seager’s MVP postseason
No. 6: Cody Bellinger hits game-winning home run in Game 7 of NLCS
No. 7: Kiké Hernandez hits game-tying home run in Game 7 of NLCS
No. 8: Julio Urias closes out World Series
No. 9: Clayton Kershaw throws out Manuel Margot trying to steal home
No. 10: 11-run first inning in Game 3 of NLCS
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