Dodgers’ Bellinger leaves after hit on knee by pitch

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Bellinger was drilled on the right kneecap by a pitch in the third inning, forcing the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder out of the game.

Cincinnati’s Luis Castillo uncorked a 95 mph fastball that struck Bellinger and knocked him down Monday night.

Fans booed while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer rushed out to check on Bellinger. Eventually, he got up and hobbled to first base.

Castillo paused for a while in an attempt to catch Bellinger’s eye at first and signal an apology. Bellinger stayed at first until the inning ended two outs later. He was replaced by Alex Verdugo in right.

Bellinger leads the National League with nine homers, 22 runs, 22 RBIs and a .424 batting average.