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Streaking Dodgers enter 2nd half on pace to win 100 games

FILE - In this June 20, 2017, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger, right, and Justin Turner celebrate Bellinger's two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets,in Los Angeles. The Dodgers already have overcome the losses of injured veterans Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier, along with Andrew Toles, thanks to the offensive prowess of Turner and NL rookie of the year candidate Cody Bellinger. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) FILE - In this June 20, 2017, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger, right, and Justin Turner celebrate Bellinger's two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets,in Los Angeles. The Dodgers already have overcome the losses of injured veterans Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier, along with Andrew Toles, thanks to the offensive prowess of Turner and NL rookie of the year candidate Cody Bellinger. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

By Associated Press July 13, 2017 3 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The century mark is in sight for the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the second half of the season.

Their 61-29 record leads the majors for the first time since 2009. Their plus-163 run differential is the best in National League history at the break, according to STATS LLC. They own a 7 ½-game lead over second-place Arizona in the NL West.

The last time the Dodgers reached 100 wins was in 1974 when they were 102-60 under manager Walter Alston. They lost the World Series to Oakland.

Riding a six-game winning streak, the Dodgers open the second half Friday with three games at Miami, followed by an interleague series in Chicago against the White Sox. Brandon McCarthy (6-3) takes the mound in the opener against the Marlins in his second start since coming off the disabled list.

Los Angeles is a major league-best 26-4 since June 7.