The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-2, Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium to complete a three-game series sweep. Los Angeles is in the midst of a season-best five-game winning streak and are 11-3 since Cody Bellinger made his MLB debut.
Bellinger not only has provided a spark for the Dodgers, but often been at the center of their offensive outbursts. Such was the case in the finale against the Pirates, with Bellinger going opposite field for a two-run home run in the first inning.
The homer, which gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead, was Bellinger’s sixth of the season. He’s tied with Yasiel Puig for the team lead.
Once difference for Bellinger Wednesday night was he was back in left field because of the torn ACL Andrew Toles suffered the game prior.
With one out in the fourth inning, Bellinger made a diving catch on a sinking line drive to rob Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco of a hit.
MLB’s Statcast determined the catch on a play of that nature is only made six percent of the time.
“The pitch before, Joc told me to scoot to my right,” Bellinger said of the play. “If he didn’t tell me that, I don’t think I make the catch.” The 21-year-old was showered with chants of his name.
“I didn’t know what to do,” a sheepish Bellinger said. “I just kind of stood there and felt awkward. But it was cool.”
The natural first baseman couldn’t quite rank the catch when compared to others in his professional, though surmised it was among the top. “It’s up there,” Bellinger said.
