Mlicki Admits He Had Problems

Pitcher Dave Mlicki didn’t show much confidence in his first start since being acquired Thursday from the New York Mets in the Hideo Nomo trade.

In his shortest outing of the season, the right-hander gave up eight hits and six runs--five earned--in three innings against the Seattle Mariners Saturday night. But the Dodgers’ overcame his poor debut in a 10-6 victory.

“I made some pitches up [in the strike zone] a little bit, and I never got into a good rhythm,” said Mlicki, who is 1-4 with a 6.15 earned-run average. “I just didn’t do my job.”

Left-hander Dennis Reyes, who is battling Mlicki for Nomo’s spot in the rotation, wasn’t impressive Saturday in his brief audition, either. After retiring the side in order in the fourth inning, he walked three in a row to open the fifth. He was relieved by Jim Bruske, who worked out of the no-out, bases-loaded jam without giving up a run.

The Dodgers are off Thursday, which is the day Mlicki is scheduled to make his next start. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Manager Bill Russell skipped Mlicki’s turn in the rotation.

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Scott Radinsky leads the Dodgers with 11 saves, but he has four blown saves and is again battling Antonio Osuna for the closer role.

Radinsky was replaced by Osuna on Sunday in the ninth inning. In Radinsky’s last five games, 12 of the 20 batters he has faced have reached base--nine on hits.

“I’m struggling right now,” Radinsky said. “But I’ve struggled worse. I’m still dying to get into those [high-pressure] situations.”

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Infielder Alex Cora, who was called up from triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, made his major league debut Sunday in the Dodgers’ 7-4 victory.

He turned a double play after entering the game as a defensive replacement at second base in the bottom of the eighth inning. In his only at-bat in the ninth, Cora struck out looking against reliever Greg McCarthy.

ON DECK

Opponent--Oakland Athletics, three games.

Site--Dodger Stadium.

Tonight--7.

TV--Fox Sports West 2 every game.

Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

Records--Dodgers 31-31, Athletics 26-34.

1997 record vs. Athletics--3-1.