The Los Angeles Dodgers slugged their way to an 8-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Friday’s opener at SunTrust Park, setting a couple of records in the process.
With another four-home run performance by the offense, the Dodgers became the first team in MLB history to hit at least 22 homers over a five-game stretch. The club mashed four home runs in their series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks before adding 14 more throughout the week against the Miami Marlins.
Cody Bellinger gave the Dodgers an early lead with a solo shot in the top of the second — his MLB-leading 41st of the season. He recently became the youngest player in franchise history to hit 40 home runs in a season, and tied Gary Sheffield as the fastest to do so (118 games).
Then in the seventh inning, Max Muncy gave the Dodgers their second lead of the game with a go-ahead three-run homer off Braves lefty Sean Newcomb. It was the 28-year-old’s 30th home run of the season — a threshold he has reached for two consecutive years.
Justin Turner followed suit with a solo home run of his own just one plate appearance later, extending the Dodgers lead to three. It was his fifth homer in as many games, giving him 22 on the year.
Will Smith provided insurance with a two-run home run in the eighth — his 10th of the season. The blast was historic, as the 24-year-old became the first Dodgers player in franchise history to hit 10 home runs through 25 career games, according to STATS LLC.
Moreover, Smith etched himself as only the second catcher in the MLB live-ball era to reach the threshold, joining New York Yankees All-Star Gary Sanchez, who accomplished the feat in 2016.
In what has been a tremendous rookie season to date, Smith has already accounted for numerous records this season. Two months ago, he helped the Dodgers set an MLB record for the most walk-off home runs hit by rookies in a single season.
Then in August, Smith broke Bellinger’s franchise record for most RBI accumulated through 14 career games (19). His .884 slugging percentage was additionally the highest for a National League player at the time since the San Francisco Giants’ Willie McCovey in 1959 (minimum 45 plate appearances).
Most recently, Smith surpassed Bellinger again to set another Dodgers record for most home runs (nine) and RBI (24) through a player’s first 23 games in franchise history.
