The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up a second consecutive win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, backed by a pair of home runs from Cody Bellinger, who continues swinging a hot bat.
Bellinger’s first homer came on the 13th pitch of his at-bat against Kyle Gibson in the fourth inning and broke a scoreless tie. He later added a two-run shot in the ninth that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 8-2.
Bellinger went an overall 2-for-5 at the plate and extended his hitting streak to eight games. “Very encouraging,” Bellinger said of his offensive showing against the Phillies.
“I’ve been feeling very good at the plate, feeling stronger, feeling healthy. That helps you feel good at the plate as well.”
Bellinger’s recent surge is a welcome sight considering he had struggled for most of the 2021 season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently attributed his woes to offseason shoulder surgery.
Bellinger has dealt with other injuries this season as well but noted he finally is feeling like himself again. “I was working really hard on my shoulder in Spring Training, then after that I broke the fibula, so you kind of get away from the shoulder, and the shoulder becomes tight again,” Bellinger said.
“Now I’m feeling healthy. The shoulder is feeling good and the leg is feeling good as well. Just continuing to progress in the weight room and training room. That’s going to affect me positively on the field as well.”
In addition to being a morale booster, Bellinger’s hot streak comes at an opportune time with Mookie Betts landing on the 10-injured list due to continued hip trouble.
“Everyone is coming together and playing the right baseball, but losing a guy like that always hurts,” Bellinger said.
“During the game you just try to continue to work on your plan, your approach and help the team win in multiple ways. We’ve got a lot of guys that can do that.”
Bellinger focused on swing path
Entering play Thursday, Bellinger was 10-for-30 with two doubles, four home runs and seven RBI in his past eight games. He attributed that success to not only getting stronger but also making adjustments to his swing.
“I’m focused on my path. But like I said, my shoulder is feeling good. I’m working to get that stronger, feeling stronger and working out, my body is starting to get some strength back,” Bellinger said.
“With that, it really helps the on-field play. Just taking care of my body off the field to help me perform every day.”
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