Dodgers stay hot with a 9-1 victory over the White Sox in rain-shortened game

A day after manager Dave Roberts chided players for lackluster at-bats, the Dodgers offense erupted in a 9-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday to extend the team’s winning streak to 11 games. The game was called after seven innings because of a storm at Guaranteed Rate Field.

“Tonight, I think the guys were feeling a lot better about themselves,” Roberts said.

The Dodgers had done enough damage already. The lineup hit four home runs against starter Carlos Rodon in four innings, including two by Enrique Hernandez. After Rodon’s departure, the Dodgers strung together five consecutive hits in a four-run rally in the fifth inning. Kenta Maeda (8-4) gave up one run in five innings.

On pace for 113 victories, the Dodgers (66-29) understand they could coast to a fifth consecutive National League West title. But the team intends to stay sharp during the summer. Wednesday met Roberts’ expectations.

“We feel like we’re the team to beat right now,” Hernandez said.

The Dodgers did not let Rodon ease into the evening. The third pitch of the game was a waist-high changeup. Chris Taylor belted it over the left-field fence for his 11th homer.

Maeda gave up a score-tying homer in the first inning. Outfielder Melky Cabrera turned on an 89-mph fastball. The shot soared over Yasiel Puig’s head in right field.

The deadlock did not last long. Hernandez punished Rodon for a hanging slider to start the second inning. Two innings later, Rodon tried to disarm Hernandez with fastballs. He threw four in a row. Hernandez hit the last one out to left-center field.

Rodon could not finish the fourth inning. After a single by Taylor, Corey Seager crushed a 97-mph fastball for a home run.

Rodon was done. The Dodgers were not. The sixth inning was a clinic for efficiency: Puig doubled. Trayce Thompson doubled. Taylor doubled. Seager singled. Justin Turner ended the flurry with a run-scoring single.

“We’re feeling pretty confident right now,” Hernandez said. “And mentally, we’re on another level. We’re really focused. We have one goal in mind.”

Short hops

Hyun-Jin Ryu will start for the Dodgers on Monday against Minnesota. Ryu has not pitched since getting hit in the left foot by a batted ball June 28 against the Angels. … The Dodgers will use six starting pitchers for one turn through the rotation, Roberts said.

andy.mccullough@latimes.com

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