It appeared that Fernando Tatis Jr. had hit a two-run homer to give the San Diego Padres the lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLDS, but Cody Bellinger had other ideas.
Bellinger raced back to the center field wall, timed a jump perfectly, and robbed Tatis Jr. of a dinger to preserve the Dodgers’ 4-3 lead. This is an absolutely incredible play:
Are position players allowed to get a save? Because Cody Bellinger deserves one with this catch 😮 pic.twitter.com/v8YtJZaJ0W
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 8, 2020
Cody Bellinger, you are ridiculous! pic.twitter.com/bYC47t4rlQ
— Cut4 (@Cut4) October 8, 2020
Things also got heated after the catch, with Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol throwing his glove in celebration and then blowing a kiss, which the Padres’ Manny Machado didn’t appreciate.
Brusdar Graterol and Manny Machado got into it after Cody Bellinger's dinger-robbing catch. pic.twitter.com/Baiuvf7561
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 8, 2020
In addition to being one of baseball’s best hitters (he had a 47 home runs and a 1.035 OPS last season), Bellinger is an excellent athlete and defender. You don’t see many players that play each first base and center field frequently- and well.
Bellinger’s tremendous all-around game is why he won the 2019 NL MVP, and it may have saved a victory for the Dodgers in Game 2.
