Cody Bellinger: Dodgers Outfielders Have ‘Friendly Competition’

The Los Angeles Dodgers put together a complete team effort to earn a 9-1 win and series sweep of the San Francisco Giants.

After being held to one baserunner in the first three innings, the Dodgers offense strung together a rally and broke the game open late. Tony Gonsolin also did his part by holding the Giants to one run over five solid innings.

The Dodgers played strong defense throughout the series, led by a couple of impressive catches from Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor in the outfield. “It’s a friendly competition in a way,” Bellinger said. “To be part of this team is special.

“There’s just so many different guys that can do a bunch of different things. You just want to go out and play. Body is feeling good, so might as well show it off a little bit.”

In the series finale, Alex Wood’s trouble began when Betts led off the fourth inning with a single, giving L.A. their first hit of the game. After a Freddie Freeman walk, Trea Turner’s blooper to shallow left field dropped for an RBI base hit.

Will Smith then gave the Dodgers their first lead with an RBI single and Betts expanded on that with a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth inning. “Woody is a good pitcher,” Bellinger began.

“He’s got some funk to his delivery and he’s got some ride on his fastball. He’s got good stuff. We battled him out and did a good job of getting in the bullpen and getting those guys.”

Bellinger also contributed with a double off Sam Long in the fifth inning, extending his hitting streak to three games. “No doubt,” he said when asked if it felt good to hit the double.

“It was a good at-bat, got a pitch right there that I could stay inside and stay through it.”

Bellinger credits Betts for setting tone in Dodgers lineup

Betts, after getting off to a slow start this season, continued his recent surge by going 2-for-3 on Wednesday. “He’s in the leadoff spot for a reason,” Bellinger said.

“It’s not an easy game, but when he is getting on base, it just changes the whole complexion of the lineup.”

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