Cody Bellinger was having a revenge game against the Cubs on Friday and produced the first three-homer game of his career, but his former team robbed him when he nearly launched a fourth.

Aaron Boone recently attributed Bellinger’s improved numbers – he hit .173/.226/.293 over his first 21 games – to the veteran’s pitch selection and “better balance at the plate.” ...

Bellinger is hitting .285 with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .838 OPS in 86 games. “He’s a player that’s focused, prepared and ready to go every single night,” Judge said. Boone was astonished.