Surging Dodgers Roll a Seven

Something strange has happened to that formerly befuddled, bickering bunch at Chavez Ravine.

These new-look Dodgers are united under first-year Manager Jim Tracy and determined to overcome any challenge--just ask the San Francisco Giants.

The hot Dodgers added the Giants to their winning-streak list Monday night with an 8-6 victory in the opener of a four-game National League West matchup before 30,464 at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers (45-37) increased their streak to seven games--matching their longest since 1997--took sole possession of second place in the division and cooled off the Giants (44-38), who had won three in a row.

So, that’s how baseball is supposed to be played.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries, but we’re feeling good about our team,” said right fielder Shawn Green, who singled in the eighth to provide an insurance run.

“We’ve had a lot of guys who have stepped up and played big roles for us all year and now we’re getting some guys back healthy. We always felt like we would be able to accomplish a lot this year if we could just get guys back and that’s what we’re seeing now.”

The offense continued to produce with 16 hits--Gary Sheffield was four for four with two runs batted in--in support of starter Terry Adams (4-2), setup man Matt Herges and closer Jeff Shaw, who retired three of four batters in the ninth for his 22nd save. Giant reliever Ryan Vogelsong (0-3) took the loss.

“No question, we’re feeling like we’re finally getting going,” second baseman Mark Grudzielanek said. “We knew we were capable of playing like this as soon as we just got a couple of breaks.”

The Dodgers prevented Barry Bonds from adding another home run to his list.

The major leagues’ leader with 39, Bonds was hitless in four at-bats and has not homered in a season-high seven games. The perennial all-star is two for 21 with 10 walks during that stretch.

However, Bonds made a highlight-reel catch in the seventh inning to rob Paul Lo Duca of a two-run homer.

After the Giants tied the score, 5-5, in the sixth on Jeff Kent’s three-run homer against Adams, the Dodgers reclaimed the lead with two runs in their half of the inning.

Sheffield and Eric Karros had consecutive run-scoring singles, giving the Dodgers a 7-5 advantage and Adams a boost after his difficult final inning.

Herges, who worked two innings, gave up a homer to Marvin Benard, his fifth, in the seventh. But that was it for the Giants.

“I’m getting a little more comfortable being out there,” Adams said. “My goal was that I wanted to get ahead of hitters and make them hit it on the ground.”

Bonds thrilled the crowd in the seventh, making a sensational leaping catch high above the wall in left to rob Lo Duca of a two-run homer.

The eight-time Gold Glove winner almost started a double play, but umpire Dan Iassogna ruled Herges, who singled with one out, safe at first.

However, Herges did not touch second on his way back to first, and the Giants ended the inning on an appeal throw to second.

“I got under it a little, but I thought I still got enough to hit it out,” Lo Duca said. “It was just a great play by a great player.”

Said Bonds: “I don’t care about no catches right now.”

The Dodgers extended the lead to 5-2 on run-scoring sacrifice flies by Adrian Beltre in the third and Sheffield in the fourth.

Adams found a grove, retiring the side in order in the fourth and fifth, but struggled in the sixth.

Calvin Murray and Rich Aurilia opened the inning with singles, putting runners on for Bonds, who on April 17 hit his 500th homer against Adams.

The Dodgers breathed easier when Bonds flied out to right, but they would not relax long.

Two pitches later, Kent homered to right on a one-strike pitch, tying the score at 5-5.

Adams got the final two outs to complete his work.

He gave up six hits and five runs in six innings. He had four strikeouts without a walk while throwing 49 strikes in 80 pitches.

Giant starter Shawn Estes had another rough outing against the Dodgers in a no-decision.

The left-hander gave up nine hits and five runs in only 3 1/3 innings. In four starts this season against the Dodgers, Estes has as an 8.85 earned-run average.

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