Dodgers Run Up Self-Confidence

CINCINNATI —  They are shaky defensively, lack a reliable left-hander in the bullpen and have rotation questions.

Nit-picking aside, the Dodgers have more to feel good about than bad, something they reaffirmed Saturday afternoon during a 16-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Dodgers had 15 hits--including four home runs--and a season high in runs while pounding the pitches of Cincinnati starter Pete Harnisch and two relievers before a crowd of 35,557 at Cinergy Field.

It was the most runs scored by the Dodgers since they produced 17 against the Colorado Rockies on May 6, 1995. The output gave them their second victory in the series after routing the Reds, 9-2, in the opener.

The Dodgers are flawed, but as shortcomings go, they figure they’re doing OK.

“This is not an easy lineup to pitch to,” said Manager Davey Johnson, whose club had its biggest margin of victory since outscoring the Pittsburgh Pirates, 19-2, in 1994.

“We can go against some pretty good pitchers and give them different looks. That’s what you have to do to contend.”

The overwhelming support made things easier for starter Chan Ho Park (3-1) and reliever Alan Mills.

Park’s solid outing ended after five innings because the right-hander developed a painful blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand. He might miss his next scheduled start, Johnson said.

Mills gave up one run in four innings to earn his first save. He also got into the show offensively, walking with the bases loaded in the ninth for his first career run batted in.

Todd Hollandsworth ignited the offense. The part-time leadoff batter hit his first game-opening homer, doubled and added an infield single.

“It’s nice to be able to contribute,” said Hollandsworth, playing because Johnson gave Devon White the day off. “It just felt good to get in there and get us on the board quickly.”

Mark Grudzielanek continued to emerge from an early slump with four hits, including a double and triple. Eric Karros hit his fourth homer--a three-run shot in the fifth against Harnisch (0-2).

Kevin Elster had a two-run homer--his fifth--against Harnisch, who gave up three homers and matched his career high for runs allowed (nine) in only 4 2/3 innings.

Gary Sheffield continued his strong start Saturday with his seventh homer in the sixth, extending the lead to 11-1.

“No doubt about it, this team has a lot of good things going for it,” said Grudzielanek, who raised his batting average from .190 to .232. “There are a lot of guys on this team capable of doing big things.

“Look at our [10-6] record, and a lot of guys have started slow. My performance has been ridiculous, and [Karros] hasn’t hit like you know [Karros] is going to hit. So when you see that, and we’re still doing what we’re doing, you have to feel good about that.”

Sheffield agrees.

“We have a lot of strengths in a lot of areas,” said Sheffield, batting .382 with a team-high 16 RBIs after his two-run shot against Manny Aybar. “It’s fun when you have a ballclub like we have. You’re ready to get back to the ballpark the next day.”

The offense might have to do even more if Park is sidelined because of the blister problem.

Michael Tucker’s solo homer in the first was the only hit against Park. He struck out five and walked three while throwing 61 strikes in 88 pitches, but couldn’t continue because blood filled the blister.

Team trainer Stan Johnston went to the mound during the fourth, and Park had the blister cut and treated after he left the game.

“It’s not good right now, it’s pretty big,” said Park, who also had a two-run double.

Park wavered on whether he will start Thursday against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

“It’ll be tough, but maybe,” he said. “I think so. Maybe miss a bullpen [session], but I think I can pitch.”

Johnson will be especially careful with the No. 2 starter.

“It’s in a pretty bad spot,” he said. “It’s a huge blood blister, so we just have to wait and see.”