So Far, No Good for Malone

General Manager Kevin Malone acknowledges things aren’t going well for the ballclub he assembled.

The team hasn’t played consistently a quarter into the season, stirring concern at Chavez Ravine--and throughout the Southland. But Malone remains confident, saying Dodger fans will be rewarded if they’re patient.

“I look at the way we’re playing and it disappoints me too,” Malone said Friday before the Dodgers’ 10-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. “We’re not doing the things we need to do, and that’s frustrating for me, because anyone who knows me knows that nobody wants to win more than I do.

“The thing that bothers me most is that I feel like we’re letting the fans down. We have great fans and we want to give them more than we are right now. But I think the fans are going to be rewarded because we’re only going to play better. I believe that.”

The starting pitching has been the biggest disappointment. However, Malone said he believes No. 2 starter Chan Ho Park made strides during a strong seven-inning effort in Thursday’s 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros. Park gave up only five hits and one run in the no-decision.

The Dodgers are working with left-hander Carlos Perez, hoping his velocity (his fastball has been clocked at only 81 mph) will increase with alterations in his delivery.

“It all comes back to pitching,” Malone said. “We believe our pitching is going to come around like we’ve expected, and that will help everything. We just have to keep working and stay focused. We’re going to figure it out.”

*

Closer Jeff Shaw has given up earned runs in his previous three outings, suffering his first blown save of the season and losing twice.

Shaw (1-2) also has given up two home runs during his rocky stretch. But the Dodgers remain confident in Shaw, who has overcome problems before.

“You just have to accept it’s going to happen; it’s part of the job,” said Shaw, who last gave up earned runs in three consecutive appearances July 17-26, 1997. “You can’t keep worrying about it because that doesn’t help. You go back out and try to get ‘em the next time.”

Said Manager Davey Johnson: “He’s still throwing well. He knows what he needs to do.”

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

DARREN DREIFORT

(4-2, 4.61 ERA)

vs.

CARDINALS’

CLINT SODOWSKY

(0-0, 9.00 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 7

TV--Fox Sports West 2.

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

* Update--Dreifort is making his first start since last Wednesday. The right-hander missed a turn because the team had days off. Sodowsky is making his first start of the season. He has pitched three innings in two relief appearances. The games tonight and Sunday are sold out, with gates opening two hours before game time so fans can watch Mark McGwire take batting practice.

* Tickets--Sold out.