Dodgers slug their way to win over Reds

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers took advantage of the 90-degree weather at game time, flexing their muscle with four home runs to power past the Reds 8-3 on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

The four home runs matched a season high for the Dodgers, accomplished five other times. The last time was June 21 against San Francisco.

Yasiel Puig got the Dodgers started with a solo shot in the second inning, cutting the Reds' 2-0 lead in half. The club would rally to tie later in the inning, scoring the equalizer on a single by Jimmy Rollins, one of his two hits on the night.

Kike Hernandez followed with a blast into the left field pavilion for a three-run shot and a 5-2 advantage. Hit against southpaw David Holmberg, it continued Hernandez's scorching season against left-handers. In 67 plate appearances against southpaws this year, Hernandez is hitting .414/.478/.793 with nine doubles, three home runs, two triples and seven walks.

Justin Turner added a solo home run to right field in the third inning, and is 4-for-10 in three games since returning from the disabled list.

That home run helped knock out Holmberg, who recorded only six outs but allowed seven runs, including three home runs, and four walks with no strikeouts.

Adrian Gonzalez added a solo shot in the fourth inning was a line drive deep into the seats in left field, his 24th of the season, and either the third (per FanGraphs) or fourth (per Baseball-Reference) home run he has hit this season to the left of center field.

The Dodgers on the season in 117 games have hit 144 home runs, 13 more than than any other National League team. The Dodgers haven't hit that many home runs in a full season since 2009, when they had 145.

Carl Crawford, making his first start against a left-hander all season, walked twice against Holmberg, then went 2-for-2 the rest of the night against the Cincinnati bullpen. Crawford has nine hits in his last 12 at-bats, with two walks during that span.

Brett Anderson was on the receiving end of the offensive support. He allowed a two-run home run to Todd Frazier in the first inning but other than that did Anderson things, inducing 14 ground ball outs to just one fly ball out. Anderson allowed three runs in six innings for the quality start and the win.

Chris Hatcher pitched a perfect ninth inning in his first major league appearance since June 24. He was activated from the disabled list on Friday.

Double digits

Puig's home run in the second inning was is 10th of the season, the eighth Dodger to reach double digits in home runs this season. That's one shy of the club record for players with at least 10 home runs in a season, set by the 2004 Dodgers. The Dodgers also reached eight players in double digits in 1953, 1961 and 1979.

The Astros this season also have eight players with at least 10 home runs. Last year the Rockies and Pirates each had nine players. In 2013 the Indians had 10, as did the 2012 Yankees.

Howie Kendrick is sitting on nine home runs, but is also out until September with a hamstring strain. Hernandez is next closest with six home runs.

Club 500

With his single in the first inning, Gonzalez recorded his 500th hit as a Dodger. He is the 95th player in franchise history to reach 500 hits. Gonzalez is the first new member of the group since James Loney on April 24, 2010.

Up next

The Dodgers go for a series win on Sunday afternoon with Zack Greinke on the mound, with Anthony DeSclafani starting for the Reds.

Saturday particulars

Home runs: Yasiel Puig (10), Kiké Hernandez (6), Justin Turner (14), Adrian Gonzalez (24); Todd Frazier (29)

WP - Brett Anderson (7-7): 6 IP, 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts

LP - David Holmberg (1-2): 2+ IP, 5 hits, 7 runs 4 walks