Karros Hits Elusive Slam

Eric Karros blasted the first grand slam of his career Wednesday night while helping the Dodgers post a 9-7 victory over the Montreal Expos, their biggest comeback of the season.

“E.K. had a big day,” Dodger Manager Davey Johnson said of his first baseman, who also matched his career high with six runs batted in. “His first grand slam couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.”

The Dodgers trailed, 6-0, in the seventh inning before an announced crowd of 8,756 at Olympic Stadium. Starter Chan Ho Park gave up four runs in the first, and he was pounded for 10 hits and six runs in only 5 2/3 innings.

But the Dodgers overcame Park’s problems, thanks mostly to Karros.

They tied the score in the seventh on a two-run homer by Adrian Beltre and Karros’ slam against reliever Anthony Telford. The Dodgers (51-63) scored three runs in the eighth to take a 9-6 lead.

Closer Jeff Shaw gave up a run in the ninth but held on to earn his 24th save. Journeyman Mike Maddux (1-1) continued to pitch surprisingly well, tossing a scoreless seventh to earn his first victory as a Dodger.

“It was a nice win when you’re down 6-0 in the seventh inning,” said Karros, who went three for five. “Chan Ho came out and struggled in the first inning, so it was good for us to come back the way we did.”

Karros’ slam marked the 203rd homer of his career. He had the distinction of being the active player with the most homers without a grand slam.

Karros is batting .298 and leading the team with 26 homers and 81 RBIs. He has driven in 14 runs the last four games. In addition to hitting his first grand slam, Karros moved a step closer to becoming the Los Angeles’ franchise leader in homers. Ron Cey hit 228.

Predictably, Karros downplayed his first grand slam.

“It was nice,” Karros said, “to get it in that situation.”

TODAY’S GAME

DODGERS’ MIKE JUDD (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. EXPOS’ DUSTIN HERMANSON (5-10, 5.09 ERA)

Olympic Stadium, 10:30 PDT

TV--Fox Sports West 2

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

* Update--Judd gets his second shot in the big leagues. Things didn’t go well for the rookie right-hander after he was called up from triple-A Albuquerque on July 23 last season. In seven relief appearances, Judd gave up 19 hits and 19 earned runs in only 11 1/3 innings. As expected, rookie left-hander Jeff Kubenka was optioned to Albuquerque to make room for Judd on the roster.