Young Filling a Need With Several Clutch Hits

Eric Young has emerged as a clutch hitter for the Dodgers, who haven’t had enough clutch performances during this difficult season.

The second baseman and leadoff batter hit a two-run, opposite-field home run in the ninth inning Wednesday night in a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Expos. Young has three game-winning homers and a game-winning double.

“You always want to do this, but it’s not like you go up there always knowing you’re going to do it,” Young said. “[Wednesday] is a really good example of that.”

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Right-hander Ismael Valdes completed his second rehabilitation start Thursday night.

He pitched 6 1/3 innings for Class-A San Bernardino against Lancaster, giving up seven hits and two runs. Valdes threw 92 pitches--68 for strikes--had four strikeouts and one walk.

He pitched three scoreless innings for Class-A Vero Beach last Saturday in his first outing since he was put on the disabled list because of strained stomach muscles July 27. Valdes is expected to be activated from the disabled list today and start Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rookie right-hander Sean Maloney is expected to be optioned to triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Valdes on the 25-man roster.

* Opponent--New York Mets, four games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Today--7 p.m.

* TV--Channel 5 today, Channel 11 Saturday, Fox Sports West 2 Monday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 67-67, Mets 73-61.

* 1998 record vs. Mets--2-2.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CARLOS PEREZ (7-13, 4.13 ERA) vs. METS’ BOBBY JONES (9-7, 4.05 ERA)

* Update--This marks Mike Piazza’s first appearance at Dodger Stadium since he was traded to the Florida Marlins on May 15. The all-star catcher was traded to New York on May 22 and has helped the Mets remain in contention for the National League wild-card berth.

* Saturday, 1 p.m.--Brian Bohanon (6-8, 2.74) vs. Al Leiter (12-5, 2.42).

* Sunday, 5 p.m.--Dave Mlicki (7-6, 4.71) vs. Masato Yoshii (5-7, 3.38).

* Monday, 7 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (11-7, 3.90) vs. Rick Reed (15-8, 3.23).