Piazza Glad to Have a Prince-in-Waiting

As the Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs, 4-3, in 12 innings Sunday, catcher Tom Prince was twice hit by pitches and absorbed a collision at the plate.

No one was more appreciative than Mike Piazza.

“Tom does a great job,” Piazza said. “He makes it easy for me.”

Easier, at least, to take an occasional day off, although manager Bill Russell’s first inclination was to write his name on the lineup card again.

“We had a rough trip with four day games and we have another bad trip coming up,” Piazza said. “It’s important to pace yourself. I’m in for the long haul. I told Billy I was beat and needed the day. It’s great. It’s like I’m recharged already.”

Of Prince, who also threw out Manny Alexander attempting to steal second in the 12th, Russell said:

“He’s a gamer, the ideal backup. He knows his role and how to prepare for it. He would have been out there for 20 innings if it had been necessary.”

Considering the punishment, 12 innings were plenty.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Milwaukee Brewers

* Site--Dodger Stadium

* Tonight--7

* TV--Fox Sports West 2, tonight

* Radio--AM-1150, KWKW-1330

* Records--Dodgers 12-11; Brewers 15-8.

* 1998 record vs. Milwaukee--1-2

* Update--Park gave up six runs and six hits in four innings against the Brewers in his last start but escaped without a decision when the Dodgers rallied for a 9-6 win. The Brewers won two of three in that series and arrive as the NL Central leader, although they lost two of three weekend games to the San Francisco Giants, blowing a 6-0 lead Sunday. Jeromy Burnitz is among league leaders with seven home runs and 22 runs batted in. Eldred has no decisions after five starts but has given up only seven earned runs in 30 2/3 innings.

Tickets--(213) 224-1448

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (2-0, 5.32 ERA)

vs.

BREWERS’ CAL ELDRED (0-0, 2.05 ERA)