Message Is Clear: Beat the Giants

SAN DIEGO —  Embarrassed by San Francisco last season, the Dodgers said Thursday they wanted to send an early message to their archrival in a three-game series beginning tonight at SBC Park.

“You need to, just to show them that it’s not going to be a walkover,” said catcher Paul Lo Duca, among many players still frustrated about finishing 6-13 against the National League West champions last season.

“Last year, we went in there early and lost all three games, got swept all by one run, and probably should have won a couple of them. That hurt us a little bit, so this is going to be a big little series to get in there and beat them.... It’s going to be a tough series, but it is going to be good to make a statement early.”

The Dodgers are especially determined to perform well in San Francisco after finishing 2-8 there in 2003.

“The Giants had their way with us as far as the division goes,” left fielder Dave Roberts said. “We played them tough, especially in the beginning of the season, but you look at the wins and losses in the first two series, and we were 1-5 and they swept us up there.

“They were close ballgames, but we’ve got to find a way to win baseball games up there. We have to set the tone for this year.”

San Francisco Manager Felipe Alou figured the Dodgers would have accomplished more last season because of their major league-leading pitching staff.

“I still don’t know why they didn’t do it last year,” Alou said. “Not winning [the division], but just being there. They have to be there with that pitching.”

The problem, the Dodgers said, was their major league-worst offense, which produced 17 fewer runs than the lowly Detroit Tigers.

The Giants said the Dodgers have improved on offense because Shawn Green appears to have reverted to form after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery, Adrian Beltre is off to a good start and newcomers Milton Bradley and Juan Encarnacion are productive hitters.

“Milton is a professional hitter,” Alou said. “He gives them speed and power, and he’s a good on-base guy. He has a good eye at the plate and he’s a tough out.”

The Dodgers are eager to show the Giants they have improved in many areas. “We need to do a lot better against them than last year,” Green said, “and this weekend is a good time to start.”

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Former Dodger reliever Matt Herges is off to a fast start in place of injured All-Star closer Robb Nen, converting five of six save opportunities for the Giants.

“He’s a great friend, and I’m happy that he’s had a lot of success,” said Eric Gagne, the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner.

“He’s worked so hard, and he deserves it. I knew he was going to be a good closer if he got the chance.”

Said Herges of Gagne: “When you compare the closers, the check mark definitely goes next to his name.”

ON DECK

Opponent -- San Francisco Giants, three games.

Site -- SBC Park.

TV -- Fox Sports Net 2 today, Channel 13 on Saturday and Sunday.

Radio -- KFWB (980), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Dodgers 6-3, Giants 5-4.

Record vs. Giants (2003) -- 6-13.

Tonight, 7:15 -- Odalis Perez (0-1, 5.40) vs. Jason Schmidt (0-0, 0.00).

Saturday, 1 p.m. -- Jose Lima (1-0, 4.15) vs. Kirk Rueter (0-0, 4.91).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Jeff Weaver (0-1, 5.91) vs. Jerome Williams (1-1, 6.00).