BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS

Martinez Gets Better Reviews

Ramon Martinez is 0-1 in three starts with an earned-run average of 4.32, but the Dodgers remain encouraged with his progress. Martinez did not get a decision in Friday night’s 7-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves, giving up five earned runs in eight innings.

Martinez gave up a three-run home run to Ron Gant in the third inning, but settled down after that.

“He made one mistake with his fastball,” pitching coach Ron Perranoski said of the pitch to Gant. “But as he went along, he started mixing his pitches better.”

It was a vast improvement from opening day against the San Francisco Giants, when Martinez gave up three runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings, throwing 87 pitches.

“His rhythm is getting better,” Perranoski said. “The mechanics are getting right for him. He doesn’t have the best mechanics to start with. It’s like a golfer. You have to work to get good mechanics, you have to practice.”

Eric Davis missed his third consecutive start because of a herniated disk in his neck, but he did take batting practice. . . . The knuckleball is no fun to catch, but Tom Candiotti, today’s starter, said Mike Scioscia is doing a great job. “He calls all my pitches and he’s not afraid to call the knuckleball with guys in scoring position,” Candiotti said. “He’s done great. I have no complaints at all.” Candiotti is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.76. . . . Dodger starters have pitched into the sixth inning in seven consecutive games with an ERA of 3.61. . . . John Smoltz’s third-inning home run off Orel Hershiser was the first for a Brave pitcher since May 1, 1990. . . . Jay Howell pitched two innings Friday night for the Dodgers’ Class-A affiliate in Vero Beach, giving up one hit. . . . The seven runs the Dodgers scored Friday night against the Braves was their high for the season.