Ninth-Inning Win for Dodgers

Eric Karros’ ninth-inning, bases-loaded, run-scoring single Monday night gave the Dodgers a 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.

With one out and the infield in, Karros hit the first pitch from Giant reliever Jerry Spradlin into left field to drive in Eric Young from third base with the winning run before a crowd of 33,280.

Karros singled after Gary Sheffield was walked intentionally to load the bases. Sheffield, who arrived at the ballpark late because he forgot the Dodgers were playing Monday after undergoing an MRI exam in the afternoon, matched his career high by walking four times--including twice intentionally.

Karros also had a tie-breaking hit in the fifth for the Dodgers (70-80). His clutch hit in the ninth also helped the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The first-place Diamondbacks reduced their magic number to five games over the second-place Giants (82-68) in the National League West race. With one out, Giant reliever Alan Embree walked Young. Enter Spradlin.

Mark Grudzielanek singled to left and Young advanced to third. With Sheffield batting, Grudzielanek took second without a throw and Sheffield was then intentionally walked with Karros on deck.

Pedro Borbon (4-2) pitched one inning in relief to earn the victory.

The Giants scored three runs in the seventh to tie the score at 5-5 against overmatched rookie reliever Matt Herges. A one-out double by Barry Bonds, a run-scoring single by Jeff Kent and a two-run home run by J.T. Snow--his 21st homer--prevented Dodger rookie starter Eric Gagne from earning his first major league victory.

Gagne left with a 5-2 lead after five innings. He gave up three hits--including a homer--and two runs (one earned) in his second no-decision in three starts.

The Dodgers broke a 2-2 tie with a three-run fifth inning while chasing Giant starter Russ Ortiz. Karros provided the key hit--a two-run, bases-loaded double, and Devon White added a sacrifice fly to give the Dodgers a 5-2 lead.

Grudzielanek hit a solo homer--his seventh--in the third to stake Gagne to a 2-1 lead.

Gagne struggled with his command, walking five and throwing a wild pitch. But Gagne displayed the mettle that has impressed team officials, getting strikeouts in key situations.

He started in place of Darren Dreifort, who has been bothered by stiffness in his throwing shoulder recently. Dreifort was forced to leave his previous start last Wednesday, and Johnson had initially pushed Dreifort back in the rotation from Monday to Tuesday to give him more rest.

However, Dreifort’s shoulder did not improve during the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Johnson said he hoped Dreifort would be able to start Sunday against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, but added that we was strongly considering shutting down the young right-hander because he didn’t want to take any chances. Johnson views Dreifort as a big part of the Dodgers’ future, and he said now is not the time to be brave.

Dreifort will throw today and then be evaluated by team medical personnel. Unless Dreifort is completely pain-free, Johnson said he’s done for the season.

“I’ve had this conversation with him twice because now is not the time for any machismo,” Johnson said. “He’s a competitor, and he wants to be out there, but it would be stupid to risk it if he’s not totally healthy.”