Bellinger sets slew of records with 13th homer
This browser does not support the video element.
LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger homered and singled in Friday night’s 6-2 win over the Pirates at Dodger Stadium, setting the modern-day MLB record with 88 total bases in March/April.
With home run No. 13, a line drive off Chris Archer, Bellinger moved ahead of previous leader and former teammate, Chase Utley, whose record of 85 total bases has stood since 2008. In the seventh inning he singled. The record is kept for seasons since 1900.
“Feels pretty cool,” said Bellinger. “Actually didn’t know until they told me in the dugout tonight. Hopefully [Utley's] here tomorrow so we can talk about it.”
Bellinger has 33 RBIs, the most for a Dodger through 28 games since Ron Cey had 37 in 1977. He also broke a tie with Matt Kemp and now has the most home runs in Dodgers history for March/April. He’s one hit shy of the all-time Dodgers mark for hits in March/April set by Rafael Furcal (43) in 2008.
Bellinger entered the game leading MLB in runs, hits, batting average and slugging percentage and is tied for the MLB lead in home runs with Christian Yelich.
Hyun Jin Ryu, who hasn’t walked a batter at Dodger Stadium since last August and has walked only two this season, was asked if he would walk Bellinger instead of pitch to him.
“Right now,” said Ryu, “that seems like the smart idea, to pitch around him.”
The Dodgers also have set an MLB record with home runs in 33 consecutive home games, breaking a tie with the Rockies. And they have homered in 14 consecutive games this year, tying the 1962 Mets for most consecutive home games with a home run at the start of a season.