Frustrating Year Continues for Clark

General Manager Dan Evans and Manager Jim Tracy maintain the Dodger offense will improve once players perform up to their capabilities.

Well, what if they have been?

“You know what, that’s a great question,” batting instructor Jack Clark said after Thursday’s 7-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium.

“There’s a way I want to answer it, and there’s probably a way I should answer it. I’d love to give some feedback on that, but ... it’s frustrating. I’m watching the same thing you guys [reporters] are, and Dodger fans are and the [other] coaches are.

“The players are frustrated, but these other teams are a little better. We’re trying to compete with some better teams. It is what it is.”

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Third baseman Adrian Beltre hit a home run (his ninth) into the upper deck in left field in the second inning -- the 63rd homer hit there in the stadium’s 33-year history. The solo blast was estimated at 401 feet.

“I’ve been swinging the bat better,” said Beltre, who had three hits in Wednesday’s 4-2 loss. “I’m just feeling good at the plate.”

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Atlanta Braves, three games.

Site -- Turner Field.

TV -- TBS today and Sunday, Channel 11 on Saturday.

Radio -- KFWB (980), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Dodgers 54-53, Braves 71-37.

Record vs. Braves -- 1-2.

Tonight, 4 p.m. -- Hideo Nomo (12-8, 2.65) vs. Greg Maddux (9-8, 4.55).

Saturday, 1 p.m. -- Andy Ashby (2-8, 5.10) vs. Mike Hampton (7-5, 4.54).

Sunday, 10 a.m. -- Kazuhisa Ishii (9-5, 3.35) vs. Russ Ortiz (15-4, 3.56).

-- Jason Reid