Marlins Reel In Brown, Dodgers

Just when the Dodgers started smiling again, another problem might be emerging.

Their latest troubling situation involves pitcher Kevin Brown, who was chased after only 1 1/3 innings Monday night in the Florida Marlins’ 11-2 victory at Pro Player Stadium.

The Marlins pounded him for seven hits and nine runs (five earned) in the fifth-shortest start of his career before what remained of a crowd of 8,345 after a 57-minute rain delay.

The boost the Dodgers received after management publicly supported Manager Davey Johnson lasted briefly because Brown (10-5) was out of sync from the outset.

He labored after the Dodgers staked him to a 2-0 lead in the first on Eric Karros’ two-run double.

Brown threw 27 pitches in the first inning and his work ended in the Marlins’ five-run second.

The Marlins (59-59) scored only four runs in their previous series against the San Diego Padres, but they quickly got into a groove against Brown.

Starter Jesus Sanchez (8-8) benefited from the support. The left-hander gave up seven hits and two runs in six innings.

The Dodgers (60-57) didn’t recover from the Marlins’ big innings and dropped to 1-3 on a key trip.

They are 3-7 in their last 10 games, trail the first-place San Francisco Giants by 5 1/2 games in the National League West and are concerned about Brown.

The right-hander has been slowed by irritated ribs, team trainer Stan Johnston said.

Brown, who received a cortisone shot Friday, typically downplays injuries and said he’s fine.

His performance Monday wasn’t.

“Well, the good news is I think Brownie is going to be all right,” Johnson said.

“I was concerned about that twitch on his side from his previous start.

“I’m still a little bit concerned about his side. While it might not have affected him physically, he had a problem locating his pitches.”

Not surprisingly, Brown appeared frustrated.

The leader of the Dodger rotation declined comment while leaving the stadium shortly after the game ended.

Brown did not receive treatment Monday and Johnston said Brown told him he felt fine during the game.

Something was wrong with Brown, the Marlins said.

“His ball was not sinking like it usually sinks,” said Florida left fielder Henry Rodriguez, who hit his 19th home run against reliever Gregg Olson in the sixth. “He was throwing 95 or 96, but it wasn’t sinking.

“It was the first time I’ve seen him go less than two innings. Unbelievable.”

That’s because it rarely happens.

Brown, whose earned-run average increased from 2.47 to 2.72, has pitched less than two innings only seven times in his 12-year career.

His shortest start was one-third of an inning against the New York Yankees on Aug. 17, 1993, while with the Texas Rangers.

Brown is 0-2 with two no-decisions in his last four starts, though he was impressive in a no-decision recently.

“This is not the Kevin Brown we’re used to seeing,” Marlin Manager John Boles said.

The Dodgers have squandered many opportunities in the division race, the finish line is fast approaching and Brown is not in top form.

They’re trying to move forward but the hole keeps getting deeper.

“They got off to a great start tonight and we just couldn’t catch up,” right fielder Shawn Green said.

“We’ve just got to try to turn things around [today].

“We’ve got to try to win the series and salvage the road trip. That’s all we can do.”

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LAST 10 GAMES

3-7

THIS TRIP

1-3

GAMES BACK

IN NL WEST

5 1/2

GAMES BACK

IN WILD-CARD

RACE

9

ELSEWHERE

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