Dodgers' Bellinger sets MLB record for total bases before May
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger is hitting his way into the history books.
The 23-year-old hit a home run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday to set a new major-league record for total bases (88) accrued before May 1, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News.
With his 13th round-tripper of 2019, Bellinger surpassed Chase Utley's mark of 85 total bases set in 2008, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. Bellinger entered Friday's action with five days to add to his total.
Bellinger is now on pace for 75 dingers over a 162-game span.
The 2017 NL Rookie of the Year also set a Dodgers record for most homers before May 1 as he broke a tie with Matt Kemp (12), and now has the second-most RBIs (33) through 28 games since Ron Cey had 37 in 1977, Gurnick adds.
Bellinger entered the game leading the majors in runs (28), batting average (.426), hits (40), and OPS (1.394). He trailed Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich by one (13-12) for the NL homer lead.