Nomo’s Walks Lead to Runs

Japanese right-hander Hideo Nomo has a superb 2.35 earned-run average, he has given up only eight earned runs on 21 hits in 302/3 innings, and if the Dodgers had scored more than 10 runs in his five starts, his record could be 4-1 instead of 2-3 entering tonight’s game against the Reds.

But the Dodgers think he can be even better. Nomo has walked 15 and hit a batter in his three losses, including five walks and a hit batter in Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh. Pitching Coach Jim Colborn would like Nomo to challenge batters more.

“I’d like to see him change, even if it means sacrificing three solo home runs,” Colborn said. “Last Thursday, two of the three guys who scored off him walked, and another guy who scored was hit by a pitch.

“I’m a little hesitant to tinker with a guy who’s had success, but we’d like him to consider challenging guys more and see what happens, because there’s a history of real successful pitchers--Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Ferguson Jenkins, Bert Blyleven, Curt Schilling--who have given up a lot of home runs.”

Walks and high pitch counts are common for Nomo, who has averaged 87 walks a season the past three years. Nomo has focused on throwing first-pitch strikes this season--with mixed results--but in a meeting with Colborn last weekend in Chicago, the coach told Nomo to be more aggressive throughout the count.

“He seemed to be receptive to it,” Colborn said. “I don’t know if he can change his style, and we may just have what we have. He’s a plus pitcher, a guy you can envision on a championship-caliber team, but if there’s a way to make him better, we’re going to explore it.”

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To make room for Kevin Brown on the roster Tuesday night, the Dodgers optioned reliever Guillermo Mota to triple-A Las Vegas.

Colborn overhauled Mota’s delivery after the Dodgers acquired the right-hander from Montreal in the Matt Herges trade in spring training, and there were immediate results: Mota threw scoreless innings against San Diego on April 21 and Pittsburgh on April 24, and his fastball was clocked at 98 mph.

The Dodgers project Mota as a potential closer, and Mota has the fastball to do it, but he needs better movement on the pitch and more command of his off-speed pitches before he will be considered for a full-time big league bullpen spot.

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Dodger players and coaches will take part in the 44th annual Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce “Opening Pitch” luncheon from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Westin Bonaventure. Reservations for individuals ($80) and tables of 10 ($800) can be made by calling (213) 580-7585.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

HIDEO NOMO

(2-3, 2.35 ERA)

vs.

REDS’

JOEY HAMILTON

(1-1, 3.30 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 7

TV--Fox Sports Net 2.

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Update--Hamilton appears to have regained his form after struggling because of shoulder problems that required surgery in September, 1999. The right-hander, who has an 8-2 record and 2.48 ERA in 15 career appearances against the Dodgers, could be 3-1 this season if not for the Reds bullpen blowing saves in his first two starts. The Dodgers are the only team in the National League ranking in the top five in batting (third), pitching (second) and fielding percentage (second).