Piazza Goes on Defensive and Dodgers Hold On, 5-4

Catcher Mike Piazza is aware of his defensive deficiencies, and he accepts that others are better behind the plate.

But the all-star isn’t as one-dimensional as some believe.

He made the biggest contribution defensively Saturday night by throwing out the potential tying run at second base to end the Dodgers’ 5-4 victory over the Pirates before an announced crowd of 22,629 at Three Rivers Stadium.

“I know I have shortcomings behind the plate, and I know I’m not going to bring back visions of Johnny Bench,” said Piazza, who had thrown out only 27% (six of 22) of would-be base stealers before Saturday.

“I’m not as quick or talented as [the Florida Marlins’] Charles Johnson, or [the Texas Rangers’] Pudge Rodriguez, and I wouldn’t ever try to put myself in that class, because I know I’m not there. I’m just a blue-collar guy, but I just try to work hard.”

Piazza made a perfect throw to second baseman Eric Young to catch Lou Collier with two out in the ninth against closer Scott Radinsky. Pirate Manager Gene Lamont signaled for Collier to run, because he was hoping to put the tying run in scoring position with a left-handed hitter at the plate and another on deck against the left-handed Radinsky.

The play secured Radinsky’s team-leading fifth save, and the victory for staff ace Ramon Martinez (3-2), who pitched eight-plus strong innings. Eric Karros’ run-scoring double in the fifth was the decisive run.

But when it came time for credit, the Dodgers first focused on Piazza.

“You can tell when Mike is getting ready to unload, and he really did on that one,” Manager Bill Russell said. “It was a good release and a great throw, and he got him easily. You’re not going to see a much better throw than that from anyone.”

Piazza’s battery mate was also impressed.

“That was a perfect throw, just a great throw by Mike,” Martinez said. “Mike put the throw right there, but I didn’t think they would run in that situation. I was kind of surprised.”

He wasn’t alone.

A day after celebrating the Pirates’ 5-4 comeback victory over the Dodgers, many Pittsburgh fans sat stunned after the final out. It’s not every day a game ends that way.

“No, you really don’t see many end like that,” Russell said. “I know I sure haven’t.”

Martinez pitched into at least the seventh inning for fifth time in seven starts. But in the ninth, he gave up a leadoff single to right to Jose Guillen, and Guillen took second on a fielding error when the ball eluded Gold Glove right fielder Raul Mondesi.

That was it for Martinez, but the Dodgers couldn’t complain. He gave up four runs--three earned--on eight hits, and struck out seven without a walk. Martinez threw only 26 balls in 105 pitches.

“He was just outstanding,” pitching coach Glenn Gregson said. “Before the game started, he had this air of confidence about him. He clearly knew he had good stuff before he took the mound, and Scott was ready to step in there again when we needed to give him the ball.”

Radinsky has won the battle with right-hander Antonio Osuna for the closer role, and he inspired more confidence Saturday.

Kevin Polcovich, who pinch hit for third baseman Chance Sanford, popped out to Piazza in foul ground for the first out. Collier hit a routine grounder to short, but he was safe at first, and Guillen advanced to third when Karros dropped the ball on a throw from shortstop Jose Vizcaino.

Mark Smith, who is hitless in 28 at-bats, then pinch-hit for reliever Jason Christiansen, and Guillen scored on his sacrifice fly to right. With Tony Womack at the plate and Al Martin on deck, both of whom bat left-handed, Lamont felt a bold move was necessary to tie the score against Radinsky, against whom left-handers are batting .214 (three for 14).

“It had nothing to do with thinking that Mike would make a bad throw, because Mike has thrown well against us,” Lamont said. “But with two left-handers at the plate, and facing their left-hander, you feel like you have a good chance to tie the game if you can get that guy in scoring position.

“I just felt we had a good chance if we could steal a base. Lou did exactly what I wanted him to do--except obviously getting caught.”