Both teams hit four home runs, but the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets, 10-6, to extend their winning streak to four games. Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor and Justin Turner combined to go 9-for-14 with four home runs, five runs scored and nine RBI.
For Bellinger, who slugged a pair of home runs, it was his fifth multi-homer game. He joins Mike Piazza as the only Dodgers rookies to accomplish such a feat. Bellinger had been tied with Corey Seager, who produced four multi-home run games last season.
What’s more, Bellinger became the fastest player (51 games) in MLB history to 20 — and 21 — home runs. He tied with New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez for most home runs (19) through his first 50 career games.
Bellinger enters play Tuesday one home run ahead of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Eric Thames for the National League lead.
Prior to Bellinger’s blast in the first inning, Turner extended his hitting streak to 14 games. He went on to homer in the second inning, and reached safely in all five plate appearances by going 4-for-4 with a walk. Turner has 10 multi-hit games during his streak.
Taylor’s solo home run in the seventh inning provided the Dodgers with a bit of a cushion at 9-6. Up to that point Los Angeles had been outscored, 6-1, since taking a commanding 7-0 lead.
That was a byproduct of Clayton Kershaw allowing a career-worst four home runs. He was disappointed with the performance but said he’d likely take a ‘screw it’ approach and move on.
Kershaw did improve to 92-0 during the regular season when provided with at least four runs of support.