Cody Bellinger Shines in Thrilling Encounter Against Former Team

Cody Bellinger delivered an electrifying performance at Yankee Stadium on Friday, showcasing his prowess against the Chicago Cubs. The game, which ended in the Yankees’ favor, saw Bellinger achieving the first three-home run game of his career, creating a memorable revenge match after his offseason trade.

A Star Performance

Bellinger began his showcase with two consecutive home runs that propelled the Yankees forward, demonstrating his hitting power.

• First Two Homers: Both were two-run home runs into right field, clearly showcasing Bellinger’s capacity to seize pivotal moments.
• Near Miss: In the seventh inning, Bellinger nearly made it three homers but was thwarted by Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker, who made an incredible catch, robbing him of what seemed like a third home run, as he leapt to snag a 94 mph sinker just before it cleared the wall.

Yankees’ Offensive Surge

During the game’s fifth inning, the Yankees continued to pressure the Cubs’ pitching by scoring two additional runs.

• Key Hits: Singles from Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, and J.C. Escarra contributed significantly, boosting the Yankees’ lead to a commanding 8-0.

A New Chapter for Bellinger

This match marked Bellinger’s first confrontation with the Cubs since his offseason move to the Yankees, a transaction perceived as a salary dump by Chicago. The Cubs traded Bellinger for pitcher Cody Poteet, who has since seen limited use in the major leagues.

• Trade Details: The Cubs received Poteet, whom the Yankees only utilized briefly. As of March, Poteet was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations.
• Bellinger’s Contract: Arriving in New York with a hefty contract of $52.5 million spanning two years, Bellinger is expected to opt out to explore free agency post-season.

Historical Context

Bellinger’s two home runs during this game marked his 18th multi-home run game, with the last event of this kind occurring on August 19, 2023, while still playing for the Cubs.

Quotes from the Game

"It felt great to come out here and perform, especially against my former team," Bellinger stated post-game. "I just wanted to help my team win and contribute any way I could."

Conclusion

Cody Bellinger’s electrifying display against the Cubs not only highlighted his hitting abilities but also set the stage for an exciting season with the Yankees. His potential opt-out at the end of the current season adds an intriguing layer to his professional journey as he aims to solidify his legacy in Major League Baseball.

For more on MLB trades and player performances, check out ESPN and MLB’s official site for the latest updates and insights.