Game 21: The Dodgers beat the Giants, and are suddenly a home-run hitting team.

Andre Ethier

Andre Ethier makes a diving catch in right-center field on this line drive by the Giants’ Matt Duffy in the second inning Wednesday. (David Crane/Staff photographer)

As a writer, I hate bogging down a story with statistics. My apologies in advance for tonight’s game story, but the reality is that a team that did not expect to slug its way into the postseason is leading the National League in home runs. Right now in Dodger-land, the numbers tell the story.

Two of the five highest-paid players in the game this year are on the Dodgers’ payroll, but neither of them have contributed to the home run total. (Though it should be noted that Zack Greinke, one of baseball’s blessed five, is 4-0.) Greinke said he failed to make adjustments over the course of his six-inning win, but again I point to the numbers: Five home runs (four by the Dodgers), six doubles (three by Dodgers) and five singles between the two teams. Neither starting pitcher adjusted well in what’s supposed to be a pitcher’s park.

Some numbers, like this, didn’t even make my story:

The box score is here. The photo gallery is here.

Joc Pederson is your new Dodgers leadoff hitter, at least for now.

The Dodgers were reportedly interested in jumping in on the Josh Hamilton trade, if only to acquire prospects.

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.