Hollandsworth’s Timing Is a Bit Off

The Dodgers didn’t criticize Todd Hollandsworth for his aggressiveness, and they said they understood his decision.

But they questioned his timing.

In a key play, Hollandsworth was thrown out trying to steal second base in the third inning of the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2-1 victory Thursday afternoon at County Stadium.

The Dodgers said that play changed a potential big inning for them--and shifted the momentum to the Brewers.

“Our offense hasn’t been scoring consistently, and sometimes you have to try to manufacture runs when that’s happening,” second baseman Eric Young said. “That’s what [Hollandsworth] was trying to do, and no one should be upset about a guy trying to help get something going.

“But you also have to really consider the situation. It was just tough what happened.”

With the Dodgers leading, 1-0, Young doubled to open the third, and Hollandsworth singled to put runners on first and third with none out. Todd Zeile was at bat with Mike Piazza on deck.

The Dodgers had visions of a big inning.

On the first pitch to Zeile from Brewer starter Jose Mercedes, Hollandsworth, running on his own, tried to steal to put two runners in scoring position. But he was thrown out by catcher Mike Matheny, and Zeile popped out for the second out.

The Brewers then intentionally walked Piazza, who hit three home runs during the three-game series. Piazza was forced out at second when Raul Mondesi hit into a fielder’s choice--and the Dodgers were out of the inning.

“I don’t want to take his aggressiveness away, but it hurts if you get caught in that situation,” Manager Bill Russell said. “There are some situations where you have to think about who’s hitting behind you, and what could happen if you get caught.

“It’s a great play if you make it, and a bad play if you don’t. But one thing didn’t cost us the game, everything we did cost us the game.”

Hollandsworth understood the reaction.

“I guess I wouldn’t have gone if I thought the game was on the line there in the third inning,” said Hollandsworth, who played center field.

“We’ve got two runners in scoring position if I’m safe, and this isn’t even an issue. Maybe I was a little too aggressive in that situation, but my aggressiveness is what got me [to the major leagues]. That’s not something I’m ever going to give up.”

*

The Brewers promoted former USC All-American Geoff Jenkins from triple-A Louisville on Thursday, and he will join the team today when it begins a five-game trip in San Francisco.

He is taking the place of first baseman John Jaha, who was put on the 15-day disabled list after suffering ligament damage in his left foot during a 9-6 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Jenkins--the 1995 Pacific 10 player of the year--was batting .403 with three homers and 21 runs batted in for the Redbirds in 14 games. He was the Brewers’ first-round selection (ninth overall) in the 1995 free-agent draft.

*

The Dodgers fell seven games behind the first-place San Diego Padres in the National League West.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Chicago Cubs, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Fox Sports West 2 Saturday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 9-11, Cubs 12-9.

* Record vs. Cubs--1-2.

* Tickets--(213) 224-1448.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

ISMAEL VALDES

(1-3, 4.44 ERA)

vs.

CUBS’

KERRY WOOD

(1-1, 3.72 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers finished 3-5 after losing four of their last five on their eight-game, 10-day trip. They play five games on this home stand and then have an 11-game, 11-day trip--their longest of the season. With only one day off remaining this month and one in May, Manager Bill Russell said it’s important for the Dodgers to capitalize on playing at home. “You have to take advantage of any edge you can get,” he said. “We’re going home after a long trip, with another big one coming up, so you have to get the job done when you have the chance to be at home.” Valdes went 0-2 in two starts on the trip and is 0-3 with a 5.09 ERA in three starts away from Dodger Stadium. The Cubs defeated Valdes, 2-1, last Sunday at Wrigley Field. Wood, a touted rookie right-hander, defeated the Dodgers, 8-1, last Saturday for his first major league victory.

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Darren Dreifort (0-1, 2.25) vs. Jeremi Gonzalez (1-2, 7.00).

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Ramon Martinez (2-2, 3.27) vs. Steve Trachsel (3-1, 3.38).