Andre Ethier wasted no time Tuesday night extending his hitting streak, getting an RBI double off Chris Volstad in the first inning, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 1-0 lead over the Florida Marlins. The hit gave Ethier a 23-game hitting streak, the longest in MLB this season, and the longest April hitting streak in MLB history. The previous record for longest April hitting streak belonged to Ethier's last manager, Joe Torre, who hit in 22 straight for the Cardinals in April 1972.
Ethier has had a hit in the first inning in each of his last three games, and in fact has reached base in the first inning in six consecutive contests (three via walk). The right fielder is hitting .429/.520/.571 in the first inning this season. Through the first inning tonight, Ethier is hitting .412/.485/.588 during his hitting streak, and he has nine extra-base hits in his last 11 games.
The last Dodger to have a 23-game hitting streak was Brett Butler, in 1991. There have only been five longer streaks in LA Dodger history, capped by Willie Davis hitting in 31 straight in 1969. Up next for Ethier is John Shelby's 24-game hitting streak from 1988.
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