L.A. Bullpen Has Been Making an Impression

Even though Ramon Martinez left after seven shutout innings, it was the Dodgers’ relief pitching that impressed Pirate Manager Gene Lamont.

“That bullpen is so great that it gives them the advantage over everyone else,” Lamont said after seeing the Dodgers beat them for the third time in four games this season.

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Knuckleballer Tom Candiotti entered this season having won only 42 games in 146 appearances.

This season, pitching strictly out of the bullpen, he already has won two games in five appearances. In fact, he has won one less game than he did during the entire months of April and May last year.

“I’m beginning to kind of like this,” Candiotti said, smiling. “But really, this is going a lot better than I thought it would. I feel great.”

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Manager Bill Russell put second baseman Wilton Guerrero back in the No. 2 hole in the lineup, and once again kept Todd Hollandsworth in the sixth spot and Todd Zeile seventh.

“We’ll see how Hollandsworth can handle that spot,” Russell said. “I’d like to see Todd hit a little better. We know he can drive in runs.”

Zeile, who went one for three Friday, is batting .171 with two homers and five RBIs.

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This was only the second time the Pirates faced the Dodgers in their home opener. The last time was April 20, 1956--Jackie Robinson’s final season. . . . Hall of Famer Willie Stargell threw out the first pitch.

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TODAY’S GAME

DODGERS’ HIDEO NOMO (1-0, 2.08 ERA) vs. PIRATES’ JASON SCHMIDT (0-1, 1.50)

Three Rivers Stadium, 10:30 a.m.

TV--Channel 5. Radio--KABC (790), KWKW (1330).

* Update--There’s a strong possibility this game will be postponed until Sunday. There is a 100% chance of rain and since each team has a scheduled day off Monday, the third game of the series would be played Monday afternoon. Three Rivers Stadium is considered the birthplace of Nomomania. Nomo struck out 16 here June 14, 1995, and became a sensation. Nomo could have that kind of day again, since he will be facing five players who either have never had a hit against him or have never faced him. Schmidt gave the Dodgers fits last weekend in Los Angeles but was victimized by a porous defense in a 6-3 Dodger triumph.