It’s been one first after another for Cody Bellinger since making his MLB debut against the San Francisco Giants on April 25. He collected his first career hit that evening; had his first multi-hit game three days later; and checked off first home run, RBI and multi-home run game on April 29.
That seemingly vaulted Bellinger into whatever sphere he’s currently in. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ top hitting prospect has slugged his way into remaining in the Majors, and on Saturday added another chapter to an impressive first month.
This, after hitting two home runs and pacing the team with four RBI in Friday’s win.
Bellinger’s RBI single off Clayton Richard in the fourth inning broke a scoreless tie. Granted, he benefitted from the San Diego Padres playing a shift that left the shortstop area vacant.
Though, Bellinger does deserve credit for attacking the hole. Despite only being 21 years old, he’s shown the aptitude of taking what’s being given to him.
Bellinger removed any talk of a shift during his at-bat in the ninth inning. With the Dodgers holding a comfortable five-run lead, he turned on a high and tight fastball for his first grand slam.
“Honestly, I was just trying to battle,” Bellinger said of the at-bat. “I didn’t think it was that high when it came in. I watched the video, and I don’t even know how I hit it. I was just trying not to strike out.”
Through the first two games against the Padres, Bellinger went 5-for-9 with four runs scored, three home runs and nine RBI.
“He’s just an all around good baseball player,” said Clayton Kershaw of the impressive prospect. “Runs the bases well, putting down bunt hits when they shift him, playing good defense, everything. It’s pretty special.”
Bellinger enters play on Sunday batting .357/.413/.786 with one double, one triple, five home runs and 14 RBI over 11 games.
