Cody Bellinger is demonstrating improved form as the New York Yankees approach the postseason, hitting .368 in September with three home runs in his last four games. This recent offensive surge comes at a critical time for the team, although it was not enough to prevent a 12-2 blowout loss to the New York Mets on Saturday.
Bellinger hit a three-run home run off Mets ace Nolan McLean on Friday night and added a solo shot on Saturday. This marks a significant turnaround after a period where his power output had waned, with his previous home run coming on August 25. In September, Bellinger has posted a .368 batting average, .359 on-base percentage, and .605 slugging percentage, for a .964 OPS, his second-best monthly mark this season.
Despite Bellinger's individual success, the Yankees' offense struggled against Mets pitcher Zac Thornton on Saturday, managing only seven hits. Thornton pitched seven innings, allowing two runs. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Thornton's effectiveness, noting his fastball, slider, and cutter combination, as well as his control of the inside part of the plate.
Before Saturday's game, the Yankees' offense had been performing well, averaging 6.75 runs per game during a four-game winning streak that preceded the Subway Series. The return of Aaron Judge on Tuesday has been credited with bolstering the lineup, along with Bellinger's improved hitting and the contributions of trade deadline acquisition Luis García Jr. and Ben Rice.
Bellinger, 31, has had a season marked by inconsistency. After a productive start, he experienced a slump in June and July and missed a month due to a hamstring strain. His season totals include 15 home runs and 67 RBIs with a .785 OPS. As the postseason nears, Bellinger's recent performance indicates he is trending in a positive direction.