Here Comes Judd’s Win

Rookie pitcher Mike Judd earned his first victory in his first start Thursday during the Dodgers’ 10-5 victory over the Montreal Expos.

Judd (1-0) gave up seven hits--including two home runs--and four runs in 6 1/3 innings before an announced crowd of 10,649 at Olympic Stadium. The right-hander helped the Dodgers go 6-4 on their longest trip of the season.

They won their last two series, taking three of four in New York and two of three in Montreal.

For his efforts, Judd gets to remain with the Dodgers instead of returning to triple-A Albuquerque.

“I’m keeping Judd to start against Florida [Tuesday at Dodger Stadium],” Manager Davey Johnson said. “I like the way he threw, I really like what I saw. He deserves another opportunity to start.”

Judd, 24, made eight relief appearances for the Dodgers the last two seasons. Last season, he gave up 19 hits and 19 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings in seven appearances.

Judd kept his first major league victory in perspective.

“It’s only one game,” Judd said. “It’s nice to get the first one, and hopefully there will be more. Now, I have to [think] about my next start.”

Left fielder Gary Sheffield hit his 20th home run of the season--a two-run shot--in the seventh against Montreal starter Dustin Hermanson (5-11).

First baseman Eric Karros went two for four with a run batted in. Karros has 15 RBIs in his last five games.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Atlanta Braves, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7.

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

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

* Records--Dodgers 52-63, Braves 70-46.

* Record vs. Braves--3-3.

* Tickets--(323) 224-1HIT.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ DARREN DREIFORT (9-11, 5.43 ERA) vs. BRAVES’ TERRY MULHOLLAND (7-6, 5.19 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers return home for a six-game home stand against the Braves and Florida Marlins. Dreifort is coming off one of his best outings of the season in a 14-3 victory over the Mets on Sunday at Shea Stadium. Dreifort gave up two runs (one earned) during 6 1/3 innings in his seventh quality start of the season.

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Kevin Brown (13-6, 3.26) vs. John Smoltz (8-5, 3.51).

* Sunday, 5 p.m.--Ismael Valdes (8-11, 3.47) vs. Tom Glavine (10-9, 4.14).