BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hershiser Happy With His Numbers

Orel Hershiser gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings against the Montreal Expos at Vero Beach, Fla., Wednesday, but he was more interested in a different number.

Hershiser threw 114 pitches, the most since his comeback and more than double the number he was throwing when he began his return last year.

“That’s in the complete-game range,” Hershiser said. “And when I left the game, I could have gone more. I had some bullets left.

“Now I’ve got to figure out whether I should put more into it earlier, or go longer with those extra bullets.”

Hershiser is expected to make his first regular-season start April 7 against the San Francisco Giants, the second day of the season.

After the Dodger bullpen gave up no runs for a third consecutive game in the 3-2 loss Wednesday, John Candelaria posed a rhetorical question: “What’s wrong with Roger McDowell closing games?”

With Jay Howell injured this spring, that question is being answered.

McDowell, who has not given up a run in his last six appearances, struck out two in a perfect final inning Wednesday. He has a 1.64 earned-run-average in 11 spring innings.

“The thing I like about McDowell is that he goes right after hitters, and doesn’t rattle or complain,” said Candelaria, who is rounding into shape with six consecutive scoreless innings in six appearances.

McDowell has recorded more than 20 saves four times in the last six years in Philadelphia and New York, his previous career stops.

Kal Daniels made a nice scoop of a throw from Lenny Harris to end the second inning with two runners on base. “I’ve been reading where guys are saying I’m brutal at first base--give me more than 10 games before making that decision,” Daniels said. “I’m still learning, but I’m not going to embarrass myself.” . . . Anticipating his imminent removal from the roster, Jeff Hamilton is considering seeking work in Japan. He will report to triple-A Albuquerque only as a last resort. . . . The Dodgers sent pitchers Pedro Martinez, Pedro Astacio and outfielder Raul Mondesi to Albuquerque, paring their roster to 29.