Bellinger on a historic 10-homer, 10-game run
Dodgers slugger is first rookie with such a stretch
LOS ANGELES -- After depositing a two-run home run in the first inning of the Dodgers' 12-0 win over the Mets at Dodger Stadium, Cody Bellinger became the first rookie in the modern era to hit 10 home runs in a 10-game span, according to Elias. The 21-year-old slugger has also reached 22 home runs faster than any player in Major League history, doing so in his 52nd game.
"I'm having a blast," Bellinger said. "I think what really tops it off is how well we're playing as a team. It's fun to watch. It's fun to be around. We're just clicking on all cylinders."
The only other Dodgers player to hit 10 home runs in 10 games was Shawn Green, in May 2002. Bellinger is also the first player with a 10-homer, 10-game run since Troy Tulowitzki, who hit 11 in 10 games in September 2010 with the Rockies.
The previous record for fewest games to hit 22 homers was Wally Berger, who hit 22 in his first 56 games for the Boston Braves in 1930, although he only made 52 starts in that span.
"We're all kind of set pieces right now, moving the game through until they get their at-bats," Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy said. "Whatever Bellinger is doing, I don't understand. … It's really fun to watch those guys hit right now. "
Bellinger went deep twice in Monday's series opener for his fifth multihomer game since making his big league debut on April 25. He and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza are the only Dodgers rookies to hit multiple homers in five games.
Bellinger, who began the season ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the Dodgers' No. 1 prospect, leads the National League in home runs and leads the Dodgers with 49 RBIs.
"I don't think there's a better feeling," Bellinger said. "We're just doing whatever we can to win games, we have great pitching and it makes it easier for our offense and to not put too much pressure on yourself."