BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : ‘Supporting’ Players Take Lead Roles

Like most, Dodger Vice President Fred Claire figured the team was going to struggle to score runs until the power hitters returned to the lineup.

Friday, Claire spoke of the team scraping and clawing its way through the summer until things got better.

To his surprise, the Dodgers responded this weekend with a surge of unexpected power.

Friday night, pinch-hitter Stan Javier hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning to spark a rally that fell short. It was Javier’s first homer of the season.

Saturday night, Eric Karros delivered a three-run homer to beat the Pirates. Sunday, Todd Benzinger’s two-run homer was the difference in the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory.

Karros said everyone has to chip in if the Dodgers are going to stay in the race.

“This team--let’s face it--is built around Darryl Strawberry and Eric Davis,” he said. “We were supposed to be the supporting cast. Now, the supporting cast is going to have to step up into a lead role.

“It’s not just home runs. We’re also scrapping to score runs, too.”

Jose Offerman did not start at shortstop for the first time this season, although he did enter the game as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning. . . . Injured outfielder Eric Davis will not accompany the team on the trip that begins today in St. Louis. . . . Despite a 2-4 record, Kevin Gross’ earned-run average is now 2.68. . . . The Pirates fell out of first place in the National League East for the first time since April 19, 1991. . . . Gross said the key to his current strikeout streak is throwing his curveball for strikes. “The curveball just feels excellent in my hands,” he said.