Gonzalez hits 3 of Dodgers' 7 homers for 18-9 win over Reds


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CINCINNATI (AP) — Adrian Gonzalez got the most pleasure out of watching his teammates circle the bases. Nobody made as many trips as he did.

Gonzalez hit three of the Dodgers' seven homers — driving in a career-high eight runs — and rookie Corey Seager had a noteworthy homer as well on Monday, leading Los Angeles to an 18-9 victory and a split of its four-game series with the Cincinnati Reds.

The NL West leaders enjoyed their biggest home run splurge in 10 years. They've won 10 of their last 12 games against Cincinnati.

Four of Gonzalez's teammates also homered in the Dodgers' biggest power performance since they hit seven during an 11-10 win over San Diego on Sept. 18, 2006.

"That was fun," he said.

Gonzalez started it with a three-run shot in the first inning off Homer Bailey (2-2), who had his worst showing since returning from Tommy John surgery. Gonzalez also had a solo shot in the fifth, when the Dodgers connected four times overall.

His three-run shot in the seventh tied his career high for homers. He drove in another run with a groundout as the Dodgers scored 18 runs for the first time in 10 years.

The first baseman attributed it to Great American Ball Park's dimensions.

"It's tiny and the ball flies," Gonzalez said. "Right field is short. I hit two fly balls that went out. I could have been 1 for 6 with a homer."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts played left field for the Padres in that game 10 years ago when Los Angeles also hit seven.

"It feels much better from this side," Roberts said. "Yeah, I saw 'em. I remember."

The Dodgers needed the big game offensively. Left-hander Scott Kazmir lasted a season-low 2 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and four runs. Joey Votto singled home a run off reliever Jesse Chavez (1-0), one of his four RBIs.

Kazmir said he's been bothered lately by a stiff right side of his neck. He doesn't want to go on the disabled list. He'll be examined in Los Angeles.

"I'm pretty stubborn," Kazmir said. "I can feel like this and get it done. But when you're putting up numbers like that, it's tough to swallow."

There were homer notes galore:

— Seager's two-run shot gave him 22 homers, trying Glenn Wright's club record for a shortstop from 1930. He tied his career high with four hits and extended his hitting streak to 13 games.

— The seven homers allowed by Reds pitchers tied the club record.

— Andrew Toles and Rob Segedin hit their first career homers back-to-back in the fifth, becoming the first Dodger duo to accomplish that one.

— The last time the Dodgers hit four homers in an inning was Sept. 28, 2006, against San Diego.

Bailey gave up a season-high six runs and nine hits, leaving after 59 pitches. Chase Utley singled on Bailey's first pitch of the game, and Seager singled on the second pitch. Gonzalez homered on the first pitch, leaving him 11 for 25 career against the right-hander with six homers. The homer extended his hitting streak to a season-high 15 games.

"We're seeing what we expected to see," Reds manager Bryan Price said of Bailey, who has made five starts. "Some days, he's electric and sharp. Some days, there's fatigue and achiness and you're not going to have your grade-A stuff."

Bud Norris, who started on Friday and lasted 3 2/3 innings, pitched the eighth to help LA's depleted bullpen. He threw 18 pitches, retired two batters, gave up two hits and a walk, and felt some tightness in his back. Reds outfielder Tyler Holt pitched the ninth and retired the three batters he faced.

STATS

It was Gonzalez's 21st career multi-homer game. He's the third Dodger to hit three in a game this season, joining Yasmani Grandal and Seager. ... It was the Dodgers' biggest game offensively since a 19-11 win at Colorado in 2006. ... The Reds also gave up seven homers at Colorado on May 31.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Dodgers: RF Josh Reddick was scratched from the lineup because of a jammed middle finger on his right hand that bothered his throwing. He pinch hit and flied out.

Reds: SS Zack Cozart missed a fifth straight game with a sore left Achilles tendon. Price said he'll miss at least one more game.

UP NEXT

Dodgers: Ken Maeda (12-7) opens a home series against the Giants. He has won his last four decisions — in five starts — with a 3.45 ERA.

Reds: Dan Straily (9-6) starts the opener of a two-game series against Texas at Great American Ball Park. He's 3-3 career against the Rangers in 10 games.

___

Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay

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