Only a few days removed from competing in the Home Run Derby and playing in the 2017 MLB All-Star Game, Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger hit for the cycle against the Miami Marlins on July 15. The game was the Dodgers’ first out of the All-Star break.
Bellinger became the first Dodgers rookie ever to hit for the cycle and the organization’s first player to accomplish the feat since 2009 when Orlando Hudson did it in his Dodger Stadium debut. At 22 years and two days old, Bellinger was the youngest National League player and seventh-youngest all-time to hit for the cycle.
Bellinger’s night began innocently enough — with a single to center field off Marlins starter Jose Ureña. He returned to the plate in the third inning with Chris Taylor at third base and two outs.
On a 1-1 count, Bellinger launched a high fly ball deep into the Marlins bullpen in right field for a two-run home run, his 26th of the season. It led to early thoughts and half-hearted jokes of the rookie slugger only being a double and triple shy of hitting for the cycle.
The thought became more realistic when Bellinger hit an RBI double in the fourth inning. Excitement and tension filled the air at Marlins Park by the time Bellinger was back at the plate in the seventh inning.
The improbable turned reality as he roped a line drive toward right-center field. Giancarlo Stanton misjudged the ball and saw it carry over his outstretched arm. Bellinger raced around the bases and slid safely into third base to complete the cycle.
He finished 4-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBIs, but most importantly the Dodgers came away with a 7-1 win over the Marlins on Bellinger’s historic night.
To view honorable mentions and other Dodgers top moments from the 2017 season, visit here.
