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LOS ANGELES -- With two runs scored in their last five games, the Dodgers offense is in the spotlight for several reasons. But as the Dodgers open a three-game weekend series against the Padres at Dodger Stadium, a positive Dodgers offensive feat is on my mind.
Adrian Gonzalez has been a prolific doubles-hitting machine so far this season.
Gonzalez last hit a double one week ago against Colorado — in fact, he hit two that night — but still has eight doubles in May after hitting nine in April. With nine games remaining in the month Gonzalez has an excellent chance to reach double digits in doubles in a month for the sixth time in his career, and the first time since 2012.
His 17 doubles lead the major leagues this season, and while it is highly unlikely Gonzalez will keep up his nice record 69-double pace, he does have a chance to notch his name in the Dodgers' record book.
Since 1914, the only other Dodger to hit 17 doubles in the team's first 40 games was Jackie Robinson, on his way to 39 doubles in 1950.
Since moving out west, no Dodger has hit 50 doubles in a season, with Shawn Green setting the Los Angeles mark with 49 two-baggers in 2003. There have only been 10 different seasons of 40 or more doubles in the club's 57 years in Los Angeles, including Gonzalez's 41 doubles in 2014.
Gonzalez averaged 38 doubles per season from 2006-2014, reaching 40 four times, with a career high of 47 doubles in 2012.
The only Dodger to reach 50 doubles in a season was Johnny Frederick, who hit 52 doubles for Brooklyn in 1929. Gonzalez has 49 doubles in the Dodgers' last 162 games.
Wes Parker, with 47 doubles in 1970, is the only Los Angeles Dodger to lead the NL in doubles. Only four others in Brooklyn led the league — Pete Reiser (1941), Frederick (1929), Red Smith (1913), Tom Daly (1901) and Mike Griffin (1891).
Gonzalez has hit 11 of his 17 doubles at home this season. In the 53-year history of Dodger Stadium, only seven times has their been a player hit 20 doubles there in one season, with Green setting the high mark with 26 of his 49 doubles at home in 2003.
In his career, Gonzalez is 10-for-28 (.357) with one double against Andrew Cashner, starting for San Diego in Friday's series opener. But in each of his last four plate appearances at Dodger Stadium against the right-hander, Gonzalez homered, including three home runs in one game on April 8.
Game info
Time: 7:10 p.m. PT
TV: SportsNet LA