Dodgers Left With a Case of Tired Bats

The Dodgers continued to play lethargically Tuesday night during a 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium.

Catcher Todd Hundley hit a home run for the second time in as many days, but the Dodgers still lost for the second time in the three-game series before a crowd of 10,962. Hundley’s one-out blast--his seventh homer--to right in the second was the only run Pirate starter Jason Schmidt (5-3) gave up in 6 2/3 strong innings.

Schmidt made his first start in eight days because he had suffered from a “tired arm.” Facing the disappointing Dodgers was exactly what he needed.

Pinch-hitter Trenidad Hubbard had a run-scoring single in the ninth against Pirate closer Mike Williams but Williams held on to earn his 11th save and second in the series. Struggling Devon White, representing the tying run, completed his difficult night by grounding out to end the game with Hubbard on second.

The Dodgers wasted another quality outing by starter Ismael Valdes (5-3), who gave up five hits and three runs (two earned) in six innings. The Pirates (27-24) won their fifth in a row.

Pittsburgh third baseman Ed Sprague hit a solo homer against Valdes--his sixth homer--in the first to stake Schmidt to a 1-0 lead. Four relievers helped secure the victory.

Catcher Jason Kendall tripled and scored in the fourth to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, helping the Pirates take a 2-1 lead. The Pirates took a 3-1 lead on Kendall’s sacrifice fly in the sixth.

The loss wasn’t the only bad news for the Dodgers (26-25), who dropped to 4-4 on their nine-game, 10-day trip that ends here today.

Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth is expected to be put on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of his torn rib cage muscle, further limiting Manager Davey Johnson’s options. Hollandsworth said he felt better after receiving a cortisone shot Tuesday, but Johnson is not optimistic.

The Dodgers probably will turn to triple-A Albuquerque for help if Hollandsworth is put on the list. But there isn’t much down on the farm.

Johnson acknowledges some of his players are dragging. He simply can’t do anything about it.

“We just can’t seem to get any energy going when we have runners on base,” said the frustrated manager, whose team stranded eight, including five in scoring position. “We’re a little shorter than I’d like to be. I’d like to be able to shuffle guys in and out of the lineup, but when you’re short-handed, guys have to go to the post.

“Now it looks like Holly is not going to be available any time soon. We’ve just had a bunch of these injuries that look like three to five days, then guys wind up having to go on the list. There are guys who can use a rest.”

Trailing, 3-1, in the seventh, the Dodgers left the bases loaded when White flied out against reliever Jeff Wallace. Trailing by the same score in the eighth, they stranded Eric Young at second. Gary Sheffield and Raul Mondesi struck out swinging against former Dodger Brad Clontz, and Hundley struck out swinging against Jason Christiansen.

White went hitless with a walk in five plate appearances Tuesday after playing poorly in the series-opening, 5-4 loss Monday. The 36-year-old leadoff batter prefers to play every day and he would not concede he needs time off.

Johnson believes he might, though he’s reluctant to take the seven-time Gold Glove Award winner out of the lineup. With Hollandsworth injured, Hubbard is the only reserve outfielder.

“Sure, Devo could use a day off right now,” Johnson said. “But what can I do? I’m just scratching my head right now.”

Hollandsworth said he was examined by a Pittsburgh Steeler team physician Tuesday. Hollandsworth, who suffered the injury during Thursday’s 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, said his return date is still undetermined.

“I’ve torn something and I just have to let it mend,” Hollandsworth said. “I just have to take care of it and deal with it; that’s really the only way to put it.

“As far as when I’ll be able to [play], I just don’t know. Both of them [the two cortisone shots he has received] helped. I could feel great [today]. But I know that [going on the disabled list] is a possibility too.”