Former Dodgers Michael Busch and Cody Bellinger help the Cubs to a 10-4 win against their former team

LOS ANGELES – Cubs rookie Michael Busch raced toward second base, unsure where exactly his line drive into the opposite field had landed.

In fact, the ball had cleared the short fence in the left corner, passed between the hands of a fan, hit him in the chest and bounced back onto the field. It was the second Cubs home run of the game, both hit by former Dodgers, and one of four hits by Busch that helped the Cubs to a 10-4 victory.

“It's always a weird feeling,” said Cody Bellinger, who hit a two-run home run on Monday as part of a three-RBI day.[Busch] knows a lot of the guys on the other side as well. And that just shows how good he is. He can kind of make it click when additional things happen.”

Busch and Bellinger landed with the Cubs at different points in their careers. Bellinger was unsigned by the Dodgers after the 2022 season, forcing him into early free agency. And Busch was a promising prospect who was blocked by the Dodgers' more experienced infield when the Cubs signed him last winter.

Both have found a place in Chicago where they can reach their potential and take turns driving the Cubs' offense.

Bellinger was the Cubs' best hitter last year, having his best season since winning the 2019 MVP title. He wasn't expected to repeat his 2024 season this year, but his slug has dropped noticeably from .525 to .427.

“I still think he had a really good season,” manager Craig Counsell said before the game. “His defensive versatility is super valuable. And he's definitely shown some great swings and performances.”

Bellinger also had to sit out due to broken ribs and a broken finger, but returned from both injury-list appearances before the three-week deadline had expired.

“In both cases, faster than I imagined,” Counsell said.

Bellinger's home run on Monday was an example of the power in his bat. He jumped on a first-pitch fastball, sending a no-doubter into the right-field bleachers, and he also made a pike catch on a screaming line drive in the ninth inning that had an expected batting average of .910, according to Baseball Savant.

“He's the man,” Busch told the Sun-Times. “… Great player, plays hard, but also just a great guy in the locker room, someone you can really talk to about anything.”

Although Busch entered the game with a slight weakness, he was the offensive driver for the team at times this year.

“So far, I'm very pleased with Michael's year,” Counsell said. “I think the most important thing is what he's become as a defender at first base. He's become a plus defender at first base, and that development is a big part of his season.”

Although Busch debuted with the Dodgers last year as an all-around infielder, he only had 81 at-bats, but he has now hit as many home runs as a guest at Dodger Stadium as he did when he called the stadium his home.

“I learned a lot,” Busch said of his time with the organization. “There's a lot to learn in baseball, offense, defense, baserunning – everything you need to win.”

“Off the field, it's the same thing. You play with a lot of guys who are obviously really good at baseball, but you also meet a lot of good people.”

When the Cubs signed Busch with the intention of playing first base regularly, he was ready to prove he could handle the much larger role.

“Every day with determination,” Busch said when asked what he was most proud of this year. “… Obviously there were ups and downs and all that stuff, but I feel like I was there and every day I had the goal to win and keep it that way.”

Busch was interesting to the Cubs because he fit into their long-term plans. However, Bellinger has an opt-out clause in his contract and will have to make a decision at the end of the season. First, they have a common goal, as the Cubs' chances of making the playoffs are diminishing sharply but still exist thanks to a win that sends a clear message.

“We know it's a short stretch,” said Kyle Hendricks, who held a strong Dodgers lineup to two runs in 4 ⅓ innings on Monday. “So we're just giving it everything we've got. We know if we play to our potential, like we did today, an all-around good team game, anything can happen. So right now we're just trying to do that every day.”