Cody Bellinger appeared in his 24th game with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, making his 23rd start. By the end of the night, he led the team in home runs (nine) and RBI (24). Bellinger’s solo shot in the seventh inning came immediately after Corey Seager homered.
With his second homer in as many games, Bellinger became the fastest player in franchise history to hit nine home runs. He shattered Yasiel Puig’s record of doing so in 44 games as a rookie during the 2013 season.
David Ross (2002-03) and Del Bissonnette (1928) also needed 44 games to club nine home runs. “I didn’t know that,” said Bellinger when informed of his franchise record.
“It’s pretty cool, but every day I’m trying to put my foot on the gas pedal and keep going.”
The 21-year-old has largely been on a tear after a shaky first few games. Bellinger earned National League Player of the Week honors for a prolific performance during his first full week with the Dodgers.
During that span, he went 9-for-21 over five games, good for a .429/.455/1.000 batting line. Bellinger scored eight runs, hit one double, one triple, three home runs, 12 RBI and stole the first base of his career.
What’s more, during that stretch Bellinger also amassed a second career multi-home run game and followed it by hitting a grand slam one night later.
With Justin Turner on the 10-day disabled list, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts penciled Bellinger in the three-hole for the first time. He went 2-for-4 in the Dodgers’ loss.
In addition to third, Bellinger has started games in the leadoff spot (one), batting second (one), cleanup (nine), fifth (three), sixth (three), seventh (two) and eighth (three).
