Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stacked his lineup with right-handed batters throughout the three-game series with the Chicago Cubs, but Thursday saw a subtle change with Alex Verdugo given an opportunity to start and Cody Bellinger moved from sixth to the cleanup spot.
Keeping with what’s held true whether he’s been in the lineup or come off the bench for a pinch-hit appearance, Verdugo found a way to contribute. One day after slugging a three-run home run to get the Dodgers back in the game, Verdugo sparked the team with a leadoff triple off Jon Lester in the fifth inning.
The Dodgers then received a gift as Javier Baez booted a routine groundball, allowing Chris Taylor to reach and Verdugo to break up the scoreless tie by scampering home.
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Their 1-0 lead remained intact until Bellinger’s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning brought in what ultimately stood as the game-winning run. Although Bellinger didn’t notch a hit with the bases loaded, he did double with two outs in the fourth inning.
That gave Bellinger 84 total bases so far this season. He’s poised to shatter the MLB record (85) for most before May 1, which was set by Chase Utley during the 2008 season.
