Anderson tries to return to full power

When Scott McClain and Justin Leone hit consecutive home runs for Fresno at Cashman Field on Friday night, 51s right fielder Marlon Anderson probably wasn't too impressed.

Late last season with the Dodgers, Anderson went deep as Los Angeles hit four consecutive home runs -- only the fourth time in major league history that feat had been accomplished.

Anderson, who joined Las Vegas on Thursday for a rehabilitation assignment, hit the fourth straight homer, off San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman, in the ninth inning to tie the Padres 9-9 en route to a thrilling 11-10 triumph in 10 innings on Sept. 18.

Jeff Kent, Russell Martin and J.D. Drew each hit solo shots to start the power surge, and Anderson said hitting another long ball was the furthest thing from his mind when he stepped to the plate.

"I was definitely not thinking I'm going to step up and hit a fourth one, not when I'm facing Trevor Hoffman in the ninth inning," he said. "My thing was getting on base so I can score the tying run."

The Boston Red Sox became the fifth team to accomplish the feat when they hit four straight homers off the Yankees this season in a victory at Fenway Park. But Anderson said the Dodgers did it in more dramatic fashion.

"They weren't down to their last three outs in the ninth inning, going back to back to back to back against the all-time saves leader," the 33-year-old Anderson said. "They did it, but I don't think it was quite as exciting."

Anderson, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to remove bone chips and scar tissue May 11.

He said his elbow feels great but he needs to get his legs under him before returning to the Dodgers, where he hit .222 (4-for-18) in 18 appearances this season.

"The big step is getting my legs ready," said Anderson, 0-for-4 with two walks in two games with Las Vegas. "I'm just looking forward to getting out there on the field and having some good at-bats."

Anderson underwent a similar procedure Oct. 10 but aggravated his elbow in spring training.

After getting traded from the Nationals to the Dodgers last year, Anderson hit .375 with seven homers and 15 RBIs in 25 games for Los Angeles.

"Hitting has never been a problem," said Anderson, who entered the year tied with Orlando Palmeiro for most pinch hits (50) in the majors since 2004. "It's being able to go out there and throw and contribute in other areas."

An infielder/outfielder valued for his versatility and pinch hitting, Anderson is in his 10th year in the majors. He tied for the National League lead with 17 pinch hits in 2004 and has been among the league leaders with 15 pinch hits in each of the last two seasons.

"I've been around the big leagues enough to know how guys like to pitch me," he said. "It's about being prepared and having the confidence that you can go out there and get a hit with the game on the line."

• NOTES -- Las Vegas lost two of its top hitters Friday when slugger Mitch Jones left the team to play in Japan and outfielder Matt Kemp was promoted to the Dodgers. ... Jones hit .303 and led the Pacific Coast League with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs in 52 games. Kemp hit .329 with four homers and 20 RBIs in 39 games for Las Vegas.