Howie Kendrick cleaning up for the Dodgers

Howie Kendrick cleaned up for the Dodgers again on Wednesday night delivering a walk-off win with his only hit of the night. The Orange County Register notes that until last season, Kendrick had not batted fourth in the lineup many times in his prior eight seasons. In 39 games at the cleanup spot last year Kendrick was a revelation, batting .320 with a .513 slugging percentage -- both better than when he hit anywhere else in the lineup.

According to the Register, Kendrick said he keeps the same approach no matter where he hits. His numbers seem to tell a different story though. Through Wednesday night’s game, Kendrick has batted fourth 27 games this season compared to 26 at the third spot. He’s collected 24 of his 28 RBIs and hit five of his six home runs while in the cleanup spot.

(h/t Orange County Register)

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