Luke Uses Power to Open Some Eyes

Matt Luke has made an impression on the Dodgers, and his fan club is growing daily.

He provided more material for his supporters Tuesday as the Dodgers rallied to a 4-3 victory at Vero Beach over the Florida Marlins. Luke drove in the tying run with an eighth-inning double, continuing his strong push to make the 25-man roster.

“Matt Luke is on a mission to be with this team,” second baseman Eric Young said. “He’s getting it done every day.”

Said catcher Mike Piazza, “He’s a big guy with a lot of power, and he’s coming along.”

Searching for a bargain, the Dodgers claimed Luke--he’s 6 feet 5, 220 pounds--on waivers from the New York Yankees. Luke, 27, plays the outfield and first base and is a left-handed power hitter, something the Dodgers need on their bench.

So far, he has exceeded the Dodgers’ expectations. He’s batting .800--four for five--as a pinch-hitter with one home run and four runs batted in. Overall, he’s hitting .375--six for 16.

He struggled last season at triple-A Columbus, batting .228 with eight homers and 45 RBIs. But he hit .280 with 19 homers and 70 RBIs in 1996.

The Dodgers might lose Luke if he doesn’t make the opening-day roster, because he’s out of options and would have to clear waivers before being sent to the minor leagues.

“I’m trying to make the most of the opportunities the Dodgers give me,” Luke said. “I think I can be an asset to this team, but you have to keep proving yourself.”

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Right-hander Darren Dreifort, expected to be the fifth starter, pitched five strong innings against the Marlins, giving up one run and four hits. He struck out four and walked two. . . . Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth didn’t play after suffering a slight strain of his left hamstring Monday in a split-squad game. Hollandsworth jogged lightly Tuesday and is listed as day to day. “He was already feeling better,” trainer Charlie Strasser said. “This isn’t a big thing.”