BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : They Had No Idea How to Hit Nomo

The Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday threw away their scouting reports on Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo.

“Nothing was right,” catcher Mark Parent said. “We came in here thinking the guy was wild as hell, and he was around the plate all night.

“Then, they told us he was supposed to be slow to the plate. Well, he wasn’t as slow to the plate as people made it out to be.

“The guy’s pretty good.”

Nomo struck out 14 batters and gave up only two hits Wednesday night against the Pirates. The only time Nomo has struck out more batters in his career was in 1990 during his rookie season in Japan when he struck out 17 against the Orix Blue Wave.

Nomo said his performance Wednesday was his best since his opening-day performance last year when he gave up one hit and struck out 12 in 8 1/3 innings against the Seibu Lions. He also received a no-decision in that game.

“That was definitely my best game since then,” Nomo said. “I really enjoyed it. It was fun having the crowd get excited.”

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Catcher Mike Piazza, on the disabled list with a torn ligament in his left thumb, said that he will have his cast removed and is scheduled to play two rehabilitative games May 22-23 for San Bernardino and rejoin the Dodgers on May 25. He’s eligible to play May 26. . . . Third baseman Tim Wallach says he is pain-free after playing three games in his rehabilitative assignment with San Bernardino and could be activated by Saturday. “He’s come out of the games fine,” Executive Vice President Fred Claire said. “We’re close to the period where he’ll be activated.” Wallach got two hits and two RBIs Thursday. . . . Leadoff hitter Delino DeShields, batting .212, was used only as a pinch-hitter by Manager Tom Lasorda. “His [right] leg is still bothering him,” Lasorda said. “We want to make sure he’s all right.” Lasorda said that Jose Offerman, who’s batting .389, will remain in the leadoff spot until DeShields returns to the lineup. . . . Right fielder Henry Rodriguez, who fouled a ball off his right shin Wednesday night, was limping Thursday and was kept out of the lineup.