Mills’ Two Wins Doubly Encouraging

CHICAGO — Reliever Alan Mills has struggled, been demoted in the bullpen rotation and offered in trades.

But the right-hander, who is among the most popular players in the Dodger clubhouse, has contributed against the Cubs, earning both victories in the series. Mills (2-1) was perfect in two-thirds of an inning during Wednesday’s 8-6 victory at Wrigley Field.

“[Mills] has been my good-luck [charm],” Manager Davey Johnson said. “Everyone wanted to see him get that win. Maybe the worm has turned for him.”

Said reliever Matt Herges: “I know there has been a lot of talk about him in trades, but I really think it would hurt this club if he wasn’t here. He’s one of the best guys in the clubhouse, and a big part of this team.”

*

As expected, pitcher Carlos Perez pleaded no contest to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol that stemmed from a March 12 arrest near Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.

Perez was sentenced to 12 months of probation, 50 hours community service, a $500 fine, $288 in court costs, a $50 contribution to the DUI advertisig fund and $35 in police investigation costs. Perez’s license will be suspended for six months, and he must attend a victim’s impact panel where people whose families have been killed by a drunk drivers speak with people convicted of DUI.

TODAY

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK

(4-3, 4.94 ERA)

vs.

CUBS’ JON LIEBER

(4-2, 3.86 ERA)

Wrigley Field, 11:15 a.m. PDT.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Park had a career-high 12 strikeouts Saturday in a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. He is 8-2 with a 3.46 ERA in his career against the Cubs.