Brown Appears Ready

Saying it’s harder to get up for a spring training outing than a regular-season game, Kevin Brown was in midseason form Thursday.

The right-handed Dodger ace had his most impressive spring outing, shutting down the Atlanta Braves, 1-0, in a game called in the seventh inning because of rain at Holman Stadium.

“You try to keep the same approach,” Brown said. “But it is a fact that the adrenaline is a little different.”

Brown, who improved to 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in five spring outings, scattered three hits, struck out five, walked two and hit a batter in six innings.

He also cemented his reputation as one of the game’s more intense players, especially with opening day nearing.

“It starts to get more realistic around here,” he said. “The clubhouse starts thinning out, there’s less guys around and the regulars start seeing more time.”

Brave starter Kevin Millwood was in regular-season form as well, holding the Dodgers to four hits while striking out seven in five innings.

Eric Karros’ double into the left-field corner off Paul Assenmacher drove in Todd Hollandsworth in the sixth inning.

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The Dodgers designated third baseman Kevin Orie and pitcher Dan Naulty for assignment and added shortstop Kevin Elster and pitcher Mike Fetters to the 40-man roster.