Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants have enjoyed success and heartbreak throughout their storied rivalry, and the 2019 season saw Cody Bellinger add multiple highlights of his own.
One of which was a grand slam off Madison Bumgarner, which electrified Dodger Stadium. Days later, Bellinger threw out Brandon Crawford at third base and set an MLB record at the plate. Both games were ranked by DodgerBlue.com among Bellinger’s top plays from his National League MVP season.
The Giants are again involved in another of Bellinger’s highlights, this time at No. 5, when he made a terrific play minutes after moving from right field to first base. Bellinger’s strike to third base barely beat Stephen Vogt and helped the Dodgers hang on for a 9-8 victory that completed a three-game series sweep.
Bellinger entered the game in the eighth inning as part of a double switch. He remained there until the Giants cut their deficit to 9-6 with nobody out in the ninth.
Giants challenge call that Stephen Vogt is out at 3B in the 9th; call stands, runner is out. Powered by @Mitel. pic.twitter.com/vMRrE2GJVP
— MLB Replays (@MLBReplays) June 21, 2019
Bellinger sliding over to first base was part of several moves the Dodgers made; one of which calling on Kenley Jansen for a save. Jansen promptly allowed a pair of RBI singles with a walk sandwiched in between.
With runners on first and second base and nobody out, Bellinger fielded a sacrifice bunt and threw to third for a key force out. “I just started crashing once he started squaring around. I knew Vogt was on second base, so I just tried to pick it up and field it as quickly as I could,” he explained postgame.
The play went into a lengthy review before being upheld. Then-Giants manager Bruce Bochy voiced his displeasure with the result and called into question the purpose of replay.
Jansen retired each of the next two batters and the Dodgers escaped with a win. “It was weird,” Bellinger said of the game.
“Probably would’ve been one of the weirdest losses I’ve ever been a part of. Good thing it wasn’t. A win is a win.”
Best Cody Bellinger Plays From 2019 NL MVP Season
No. 6: Catches to rob Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr.
No. 7: Grand slam off Madison Bumgarner
No. 8: Throwing out Brandon Crawford and setting MLB record in same game against San Francisco Giants
No. 9: First multi-home run game of the season
No. 10: Home run on bobblehead night
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