Gagne Makes His Case in 10-2 Victory Over Padres

Eric Gagne made an impressive closing argument.

Trying to earn a spot in next season’s rotation, the Dodger rookie right-hander worked six strong innings Saturday night in a 10-2 victory over the San Diego Padres before 50,267 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Gagne (4-6) gave up four hits, one run and struck out seven with only one walk while winning for the third time in four starts since being recalled from triple-A Albuquerque.

“Everything that happened to me this year was good because I learned a lot,” said Gagne, who threw 71 strikes in 106 pitches. “It was tough for me when I was struggling earlier in the year because I wasn’t used to that.

“It was really hard but it just made me stronger because I kept working hard. I just have to take that into next year and keep improving.”

The Dodgers (86-75) staked Gagne to a four-run lead in the first over the Padres (75-86) on Todd Hundley’s grand slam.

Hundley’s blast to right-center--his 24th home run--on a 1-2 slider from Padre starter Matt Clement (13-17) was his second grand slam this season and the seventh of his career.

It also marked the club’s ninth grand slam, establishing a new single-season record. The 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers also hit eight.

The Dodgers put the game out of reach with six runs in the sixth in improving to 11-3 in their last 14 games.

The club’s strong performance down the stretch had stirred questions in the organization about Manager Davey Johnson’s seemingly impending ouster. Johnson has made mistakes, but the Dodgers still have holes despite what General Manager Kevin Malone tells his bosses.

“You look at the things Davey has done in his career . . . Davey is a proven manager,” left fielder Gary Sheffield said. “The things we’re doing now shows what we’re capable of if we made some adjustments, but the players are the ones who have to go out and take responsibility for our performance.”

Johnson is pleased the Dodgers did not quit.

“I’m proud of them,” Johnson said. “We’ve come a ways, but there’s still a ways to go.

“We’ve had some rough times, but this is a good group. It’s a good place to build on for next year. There’s still some questions, but a lot less.”

TODAY

DODGERS’ DARREN DREIFORT

(12-8, 4.17 ERA)

vs.

PADRES’ ADAM EATON

(6-4, 4.33 ERA)

Qualcomm Stadium, 1

TV-Ch. 5. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--This marks the teams’ final game of the season--and possibly Dreifort’s last game as a Dodger. The right-hander, one of the most coveted pitchers in the upcoming free-agent class, is expected to make between $45 million to $50 million in a five-year contract. The Dodgers hope to retain him but there are no guarantees.