LOS ANGELES -- The accolades for Cody Bellinger's rookie season continue to grow.
On Saturday during the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Padres, the 22-year-old homered for the 34th time, bringing him within one of the club's rookie record, set by Hall of Famer Mike Piazza in 1993.
Not only is Bellinger on pace to cement himself in the franchise record books, he's doing it a faster pace than Piazza, who needed 149 games to accomplish the feat.
Bellinger is tied with Mark McGwire for the most home runs in Major League history through 96 games. Bellinger has also already tied Ryan Braun (2007) and Walt Dipo (1950) for the 12th most home runs by a rookie.
"A lot of guys in our clubhouse are having really big years," manager Dave Roberts said, "and getting some acclaim, and that's great."
One club that has taken the brunt of Bellinger's season is the Padres, who have seen the rookie trot around the bases four times this season. Bellinger entered Sunday's series finale slashing .419/.471/.806 in seven games vs. San Diego. He continued that dominance on Saturday, going 3-for-3 with the homer and a stolen base.
Chris Taylor, who played with Bellinger at Triple-A Oklahoma City, has seen Bellinger's ride firsthand.
"It's been a lot of fun," Taylor said. "I had the opportunity to play with Cody in Triple-A, and I've seen what's he can do. It doesn't surprise me at all."