A Dodger leads MLB in hits and RBIs ... but not the one you think

LOS ANGELES -- Andy Pages wasn't necessarily hunting a specific pitch when he stepped into the box with two runners on in the third inning on Monday. He was simply looking for a location.

The Dodgers outfielder found exactly what he wanted -- a curveball above the zone from Mets left-hander David Peterson -- and hammered a three-run home run to left field to provide the cushion in a 4-0 victory over New York at Dodger Stadium.

The blast marked Pages’ fifth home run of the season, adding to a productive start that has kept the 25-year-old in the middle of the Dodgers' veteran-heavy lineup.

"I was just looking for a ball up, something up above the zone, above my hands,” Pages said through interpreter Juan Dorado. “He really doesn't throw that overpowering fastball, so just looking more for a zone, specifically, over a pitch type.”

The home run highlighted a broader trend for Pages, who has shown continued success against offspeed and breaking pitches early in his career. While young hitters often struggle with secondary offerings, Pages has thrived by narrowing his focus to the strike zone.

"I feel like I've always had really good success against breaking balls or curveballs,” Pages said. “It's just more staying in the zone and hitting pitches that are in the zone, as opposed to expanding my zone.”

Pages' production has become a vital component for a Dodgers team looking for offensive consistency beyond its top three stars (Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman). Following Monday’s performance, Pages now leads the Majors with 25 hits and 20 RBIs, providing the kind of length in the order that allows the Dodgers to capitalize when teams pitch around the top of the lineup.

Manager Dave Roberts noted that while the team features established All-Stars at the top of the order, the development of younger players like Pages is what solidifies the roster's makeup. Beyond the box score, Pages has also taken on a significant role defensively. Roberts has used Pages primarily in center field, where he contributed to a defensive effort that allowed only three hits on Monday.

“The at-bat quality, the center-field defense -- that is the player that we had hoped,” Roberts said. “He's really, really locked in and he's got an understanding of what it takes for him to get ready for a big league ballgame.”

While the night was headlined by dominant starting pitching from Justin Wrobleski, who fired a career-best eight scoreless innings, Pages noted that his defensive approach remained tied to the rhythm of the game.

"I think I'm always at the ready,” Pages said of playing behind a staff performing at a high level. “When a pitcher is executing that well, I get a great view of what he's doing with his pitches. So being able to see it, but then also, I'm always at the ready. It's nice to be out there when a guy's throwing the way he is.”

As the Dodgers continue to manage a six-man rotation and early-season injuries, the consistent production from the younger core -- such as Pages' hot start to the season -- provides much-needed depth throughout the lineup.