Gagne Won’t Get Record

Sure, now they score.

After failing to produce enough throughout another wasted season, the Dodgers scored too many runs Saturday while winning the first game of a doubleheader, 5-0, against San Francisco at Pacific Bell Park.

They scored four runs in the ninth inning to break open a 1-0 game, eliminating a save situation and ending closer Eric Gagne’s pursuit of the major league’s single-season record for saves. Gagne needed saves in the Dodgers’ final three games to break Bobby Thigpen’s record of 57.

How about scoring just enough to preserve a save situation?

“That’s not the way you approach the game,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “We’re still playing to win.”

Gagne worked the ninth because he was the only pitcher ready. He retired the side on six pitches, finishing the victory for rookie Edwin Jackson.

Gagne said his efforts would have been tainted had the Dodgers stopped fighting.

“You can’t do that, it’s ridiculous, nobody does that.... It’s not professional,” said Gagne, who leads the major leagues with 55 saves in as many chances. “You do whatever the game dictates.”

The Dodgers had five hits and four runs against closer Tim Worrell, who had a longer-than-expected workout in preparation for next week’s National League division series against Florida.

“For Gagne’s sake, sometimes you find yourself hoping you don’t score more than three,” pitching coach Jim Colborn said. “But he’s a better man than to focus on his personal stats. He’s first and foremost a team guy.”

Jackson (2-1) had an interesting experience as well. The rookie right-hander gave up only two hits in six scoreless innings -- but walked eight (one intentionally). The team record is 11.

Jackson struck out Benito Santiago in the first and third innings to escape bases-loaded jams, and had his biggest moment in the fifth against Barry Bonds.

With two out and a runner on second after a wild pitch, Jackson overpowered Bonds with a 94-mph fastball to end the inning.

“You look at it like it’s great you struck out Barry Bonds,” Jackson said, “but maybe you’ll have another opportunity for it to happen again.”

*

Outfielder Rickey Henderson will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Oct. 16. He is not expected to return next season.