Dodgers putting up impressive attendance numbers

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers are closing in on their first postseason appearance in four years, and fans are coming to Dodger Stadium in record numbers.

The ballpark was sold out for Thursday's series opener against the Giants, the 24th sellout of the year. The Dodgers have already announced sellouts for games Friday and Saturday. Los Angeles could clinch the National League West on Sunday, and limited tickets remain for that game.

"The fan support this year has been unbelievable, they've really been energizing us," said catcher A.J. Ellis. "We've had so many full houses here that have carried us through these dramatic victories we've had late in games."

So far, attendance at Dodger Stadium this year is up 10 percent and merchandise sales have doubled. The club's television ratings have also increased by roughly 40 percent.

The Dodgers have already surpassed 3 million in attendance this season and appear headed for the largest total attendance for any big league club since the Yankees drew 3.77 million fans in 2010.