Dodgers in desperate need of power

The power-starved Dodgers look to get their bats on track on Saturday afternoon as they host the Cardinals in the middle game of a weekend series at Dodger Stadium. Scott Van Slyke, who has three home runs and two doubles in nine games since his promotion from Triple-A, is in the lineup against St. Louis left-handed pitcher John Gast.

Van Slyke is in left field in place of Carl Crawford, who has started 41 of now 47 games this season. Two of Van Slyke's three home runs have come against southpaws this season, against whom he is 3-for-8 (.375).

The Dodgers on 34 years ago on this date established a Dodger Stadium record with seven home runs in a 17-6 victory over the Reds. Dusty Baker, Steve Garvey, Gary Thomasson, Joe Ferguson, Derrel Thomas, Davey Lopes, and Rick Sutcliffe all went deep on May 25, 1979 against Cincinnati.

The record was since matched by the Dodgers in the 4+1 game, on Sept. 18, 2006 against the Padres.

The Dodgers have seven home runs at Dodger Stadium, in their last 12 home games. They have been out-homered 26-15 at home this season.

A.J. Ellis returns to the lineup one night after his home plate collision, just as he predicted.

Game info

Time: 4:15 p.m.

TV: Fox

MLB Gameday