By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Goofy Stat Dept.: Entering Saturday, the Giants were 2-5 when Barry Bonds homered in the postseason, 8-0 when he didn't.

BIG NIGHT

Shawon Dunston started at designated hitter Saturday night for the Giants. It was his first World Series start in a big-league career that has spanned 18 years.

"I don't want to get too hyped up," he said. "I know it's not another game. But that's the way you've got to go at it ... Think about the team first and yourself second."

Dunston was 2-for-9 in the postseason going into Saturday, all as a pinch hitter.

HISTORY

Giants manager Dusty Baker was trying to become the 28th person to play on a world championship team and manage one.

Lou Piniella was the last to add his name to the list. Piniella played on Yankees World Championship teams in 1977 and '78 and managed the 1990 Reds.

BAD STARTS

The starting pitchers in the series had combined for an 8.93 ERA, entering Game 6.

The Angel starters were 1-2 with 9.14 ERA. The Giant starters were 1- with 8.72 ERA.

Only Kirk Rueter pitched as many as six innings. There's never been a World Series where a starter didn't pitch at least seven innings.

NO PEP TALK

Scioscia didn't pull out his "Win One for the Gipper" speech.

"I don't think our team really needed it," he said. "We talk to the guys every day, whether it's around the batting cage, or in the outfield, or at meetings before the Series going over the other club. I think that's one good thing about our staff is their ability to communicate."