Looking to end their homestand on a winning note, the Los Angeles Dodgers began their three-game finale against the St. Louis Cardinals in record fashion. An 11-run first inning was capped off by Cody Bellinger hitting a grand slam to right field.
Cardinals starter Carlos Martinez ran into immediate trouble as Mookie Betts led off with a double, which was followed by Max Muncy working a walk. Justin Turner followed with a run-scoring single to tie the game.
Bellinger then gave the Dodgers a lead with a two-run base hit, and Gavin Lux extended it by driving in a pair off a double to center field. Zach McKinstry’s RBI single kept the line moving, and it wasn’t until Walker Buehler struck out on a sacrifice bunt attempt that Martinez retired a better.
The lineup turning over brought more runs for the Dodgers as Betts hit an RBI single. Turner’s walk loaded the bases with two outs and marked the end of the road for Martinez.
Cardinals reliever Jake Woodford didn’t fare any better, immediately falling behind 3-0 to Bellinger. His fourth pitch of the at-bat was sent to right field for a grand slam.
The Dodgers sent 14 batters to the plate, collected seven hits, drew four walks and had one stolen base en route to scoring 11 runs.
He's back. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/31KrXuOOuA
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 3, 2021
BELLI'S BACK, TELL A FRIEND. pic.twitter.com/NhQPefVdlS
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 3, 2021
Bellinger set a Dodgers franchise record with six RBI in one inning, and matched his overall career high. As a team the Dodgers’ 11 runs in an inning were their most in L.A. franchise history for the regular season.
They also reached that total during an emphatic Game 3 win against the Atlanta Braves in the 2020 National League Championship Series.
The 11 runs are the most a team has scored in any inning so far this season as well.
Goldschmidt adds to home run total against Dodgers
Prior to the Dodgers blowing the game open, Paul Goldschmidt slugged a solo home run in the top of the first inning. It was Goldschmidt’s 33rd career home run against the Dodgers, which is most among active players.
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