ANGELS NOTEBOOK: 1,000 NOT HIT WITH ERSTAD.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

Darin Erstad entered Saturday's game one hit shy of 1,000 for his career. As one might expect, the center fielder wasn't preparing to greet the occasion with much fanfare.

``I've never played this game for personal gain or personal achievement,'' said Erstad, who joined teammates Tim Salmon and Garret Anderson in the 1,000-hit club with a sixth-inning single off Dodgers left-hander Odalis Perez. ``My joy comes from winning.''

Erstad has averaged 192 hits per 162 games through his first five seasons, and he had a club-record 240 hits two seasons ago. At his current pace, Erstad, 28, would approach the 3,000-hit plateau when he's 37.

Maybe Erstad would spring for some cigars on that occasion. But don't count on it.

``I'm not worrying about that,'' he said. ``I'm worried about if this is the last game I ever play, I gave it all I have.''

--Fullmer-nating: Scioscia said Brad Fullmer will be in the lineup today against Dodgers right-hander Hideo Nomo. Fullmer, who will start at first base over Scott Spiezio, didn't start the first two games of the series because the designated-hitter rule isn't in effect and also because the Dodgers started two left-handers.

--Ortiz on pace: Ramon Ortiz, who yielded four solo home runs Friday night and leads the major leagues with 22 homers allowed, is on pace to give up 55 homers this season. That would break Bert Blyleven's single-season record of 50, established in 1986. Blyleven managed to go 17-14 despite his dubious achievement.