DODGERS REPORT : L.A. Out-Homers Sosa

Sammy Sosa hit another home run Friday afternoon, but the Dodgers hit three to overcome the major league leader’s 57th blast in an 8-6 afternoon victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The Cub right fielder hit a two-run shot in the first inning against Chan Ho Park, but the Dodgers got home runs from Mark Grudzielanek, Gary Sheffield and Todd Hundley--Nos. 5, 23 and 20, respectively--to counter Sosa’s power before a crowd of 28,435.

Park (9-10) benefited from the impressive support, winning in his third consecutive start despite giving up five earned runs in five innings. He also gave up nine hits and his earned-run average increased from 5.60 to 5.71.

Closer Jeff Shaw worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his 30th save. The Dodgers (63-71) have won five of their last seven games and 10 of 14.

“We’ve been playing a lot better recently,” said Sheffield, who hit a two-run homer in the Dodgers’ four-run fifth. “Guys are getting on base a lot now, and we’re scoring a lot because we’re making the most of those opportunities. That’s what we have to keep doing to finish strong and start in the right direction for next year.”

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Outfielder Trenidad Hubbard was born and raised in Chicago, and 30 of his relatives and friends attended Friday’s game.

Hubbard entered the game in the seventh and flied out, but he also made a sensational diving catch in shallow right-center to rob Sosa of a leadoff single in the ninth inning.

“Helping the team win is the most important thing, but it always feels good to something in front of your family and friends,” Hubbard said. “And it’s even better to do something to make your mama proud.”

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Manager Davey Johnson said Eric Gagne, the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect, probably will be recalled from double-A San Antonio to take rookie Mike Judd’s place in the starting rotation for at least one turn.

The 23-year-old right-hander is 12-4 with a 2.63 ERA for San Antonio. Gagne leads the Texas League with 185 strikeouts, and he has struck out at least 10 in six of his last seven starts.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ KEVIN BROWN (15.6, 3.24 ERA) vs. CUBS’ KYLE FARNSWORTH (3-7, 5.60 ERA)

Wrigley Field, 1 p.m. PDT

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

* Update--Brown is 5-0 with a 1.93 earned-run average in his last eight starts and has won a team-high six consecutive decisions. He pitched his third complete game of the season Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 6-1 victory at Dodger Stadium. Brown has given up only one home run in his last 63 1/3 innings.