Mota Has a Happy Return to Canada

Guillermo Mota believes the Montreal Expos made a mistake in trading him to the Dodgers, so his first trip to Olympic Stadium was especially sweet.

The right-hander had eagerly anticipated this series since missing last season’s trip to Canada because he was still at triple-A Las Vegas, and he was determined to return as a key member of the Dodgers.

Mission accomplished.

Mota (2-1) pitched three scoreless innings and got the victory as the Dodgers rallied for a 9-5 win before 10,675.

He gave up a two-run single to Brad Wilkerson that tied the score, 5-5, in the Expos’ four-run seventh, but those runs were charged to Tom Martin. Mota got Vladimir Guerrero, the first batter he faced, to foul out behind the plate, and then shut down the Expos after Wilkerson singled through the hole at first.

Overall, a good night.

“I’m a lot different now,” said Mota, part of a four-player deal in March 2002. “When I was here, all I did was throw hard, I really didn’t pitch, so it’s not the same.

“I’m more focused and I know how to do my job better. I’ve made a lot of changes and everyone has helped me a lot, so this is very good for my career.”

Despite a 98-mph fastball, Mota’s career stagnated in Montreal for many reasons, including the perception that he had attitude problems and wasn’t good for clubhouse chemistry. Mota has had some rocky moments during his brief tenure in Los Angeles, but the Dodgers are pleased to have him.

“He’s not the same pitcher we got in that trade,” Manager Jim Tracy said, “and that credit belongs to my pitching coach [Jim Colborn].”

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In a pregame ceremony, All-Star closer Eric Gagne was presented with an award given to the top Canadian player in the major leagues.

Gagne received the 2002 Tip O’Neill Award, sponsored by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, for his record-setting 52-save season.

“I’m still getting used to all the attention, especially back here at home,” the Montreal native said. “You don’t ever expect this to happen to you; who grows up dreaming about this? You dream about being in the major leagues, but not [this type of fame].”

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All-Star right fielder Shawn Green hasn’t hit a home run since May 3, and is on pace to hit only 18 homers. He was hitless in five at-bats Friday with three strikeouts.

“It takes a while to get the home run swing going, and sometimes I’m trying to force it,” said Green, who has taken early batting practice on the trip. “I try to get to that point rather than allowing it to come naturally, so that’s what I have to be carefully about, but it’s easy to say that.

“The less runs we score, the more I’m trying to drive the ball out of the park. That’s a vicious cycle.”