Cook Gets First Victory, Howell Earns Save as Dodgers Win, 2-0

Aside from Brett Butler’s on-field imitation of Tom Lasorda, Alfredo Griffin’s appearance in a Halloween mask, Kevin Gross’ pinch-hitting duties and Roger McDowell’s inning in left field, Sunday’s season finale was like any other game.

The Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants, 2-0, with no runs batted in from the offense and five pitchers combining on the shutout.

Before 38,202 at Candlestick Park, Chris Gwynn scored Dodger runs on an error by rookie shortstop Royce Clayton in the second inning and on a passed ball by catcher Steve Decker in the fourth inning.

The shutout was accomplished by starter Dennis Cook, who got his first victory; Tim Crews, Steve Wilson, Mike Christopher and Jay Howell.

“I just went out there and said the heck with everything and everybody,” said Cook, who pitched only 17 2/3 major league innings this season (0.51 earned-run average) and might be traded this winter.

“It’s been a long, disappointing year with a lot of wasted innings in the minor leagues,” he said. “Today I was able to forget that.”

Howell, making his first appearance since Sept. 3, pitched a scoreless inning for his 16th save. He gave up one hit with one walk and one strikeout.

Brett Butler played the first inning without an error, giving him 161 errorless games this season, a National League record.