HOUSTON — It took until the World Series, but Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger had finally begun to resemble the rookie that he actually is. He had gone from looking precocious at the plate to besieged, a 22-year-old who was suddenly hitting like one.

Still, despite Bellinger’s strikeouts and fruitless at-bats, Manager Dave Roberts saw the smile stay on Bellinger’s face, so he remained anchored in the cleanup spot.

That patience was rewarded in Game 4 of the Series on Saturday night as Bellinger delivered two late doubles — one that helped the Dodgers draw even and one that put them ahead — as they rallied for a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros, evening the Series at two games apiece.

The Dodgers will now send their ace, Clayton Kershaw, against the Astros’ Dallas Keuchel — the pitcher Kershaw beat in the Series opener — on Sunday night in Game 5.