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Cody Bellinger sets major league record with 21 home runs through first 51 games

Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres

SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 6: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a grand slam during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on May 6, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Cody Bellinger boosted the Dodgers’ lead from 1-0 to 4-0 with a three-run home run against Mets starter Zack Wheeler in the first inning. In doing so, he tied the major league record as the fastest to reach 20 home runs. Bellinger, Gary Sanchez (2016), and Wally Berger (1930) each needed 51 games. Bellinger set a new record in the second inning, belting a solo homer off of Wheeler to boost the Dodgers’ lead to 7-0.

Bellinger didn’t make his major league debut until April 25. Still, Monday’s first-inning homer moved him into a tie with the Brewers’ Eric Thames for the National League lead in home runs at 20. His second-inning blast moved him into the NL lead and tied him with Logan Morrison for second-most overall. Aaron Judge leads with 23.

Bellinger entered Monday’s action batting .261/.333/.628 with 43 RBI, 37 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 210 plate appearances. Pretty good numbers from a guy the Dodgers expected to send back to the minor leagues once their other outfielders got back to full health.

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