BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Davis’ Home Run Is a Good Sign

After five weeks of adjusting to new teammates and an aching shoulder, Eric Davis and his bat are concentrating on opening day.

One day after hitting singles to center and right fields, Davis hit his first home run of the spring Sunday, a two-run shot in an 8-6, 10-inning loss to the New York Mets.

It was his first home run in a Dodger uniform. Perhaps even more special for him, it was the first time he has hit a homer with close friend Darryl Strawberry on base.

“Anytime I start hitting the ball to center and right field, I know I’m seeing it well,” said Davis, who is batting .278 in 15 spring games. “And then today, I hit the home run on a breaking pitch. That means my focus is starting to come.”

Tom Candiotti showed what a little wind will do to the knuckleball when he struck out 10 and walked none in six innings against the Mets. He also gave up three earned runs on eight hits.

With one exhibition appearance remaining--Friday in Anaheim against the Angels--Candiotti has struck out 19 and walked five with a 3.00 earned-run average. He will make his regular season debut April 9 at San Diego.

The Dodgers committed two more errors, including a wild throw home by Lenny Harris that gave the Mets two 10th-inning runs and the lead for good. . . . Greg Smith will become a free agent after the Dodgers attempted to demote him. Smith, an infielder, did not leave the organization empty-handed. During his one year with the Dodgers, he met and became engaged to Julie Parker, a minor league administrator. . . . Rudy Seanez has been put on the 15-day disabled list, making room for Mitch Webster to join the roster officially. . . . Jay Howell is scheduled to pitch in his first spring game today against the Kansas City Royals at Baseball City.