Dodgers Take Best Punch

Barry Bonds pushed the Dodgers to the brink Sunday and they pushed back, outlasting the future Hall of Famer and the San Francisco Giants, 7-6, at SBC Park to complete a series sweep and send an early message.

The Dodgers served notice that things would be different this season, overcoming Bonds’ four hits (tying a career high), 65th multi-homer game and five runs batted in before a sellout crowd of 42,377.

After dropping three one-run decisions in the opening series here last season, the Dodgers finished 6-13 against the Giants, who sprinted to the National League West title. The Dodgers are confident they’re better now, believing they proved a point by improving to 5-1 on the trip with three one-run victories here.

“When you go out there and know that you’re going to win, it’s a lot better than hoping you’re going to win, and that’s what we’re doing,” said closer Eric Gagne, who notched his fourth save on the trip, fifth overall and major league-record 68th in a row.

“It’s very different than last year because we started winning right away, and that’s what we needed. I learned the last two years that it’s all about confidence, and you can look around here and see it ... we know we’re the best.”

Bonds is still second to none individually. The six-time National League most valuable player connected against starter Jeff Weaver (1-1) for a run-scoring double and homers No. 664 and 665. His two-run homer highlighted the Giants’ three-run sixth, cutting the Dodgers’ lead to 7-5.

Bonds’ RBI single in the seventh pulled San Francisco to within a run, but Dodger relievers Duaner Sanchez and Tom Martin made timely pitches, getting key double plays in the sixth and seventh to squelch rallies.

Darren Dreifort worked a 1-2-3 eighth, preserving the one-run cushion, and then Manager Jim Tracy turned to Gagne for the fourth time in as many days. Gagne walked Ray Durham with one out, but wound up striking out the side, triggering another celebration that continued in the dugout and clubhouse.

The Dodgers had much to feel good about, including a six-run fifth inning, highlighted by Adrian Beltre’s opposite-field, three-run homer (his fourth) that came after the Giants intentionally walked Shawn Green.

They hit three consecutive homers in the inning as Beltre, Juan Encarnacion and David Ross connected against San Francisco starter Brett Tomko (0-1).

The Dodgers improved to 9-3 with their fifth consecutive victory, matching the team’s best start since 1983.

“I know the Dodgers are better,” said Giant Manager Felipe Alou, whose team was swept in a three-game series by the Dodgers at San Francisco for the first time since April 11-13, 2000 -- the first series in SBC Park.

“I don’t say better than we are, but better than the Dodgers were last year.... They’re a better offensive team by far.”

But the Dodgers still barely overcame Bonds, who had four home runs and eight RBIs in the series.

“There are situations where you have to try to outlast this man,” said Tracy, whose team moved at least four games ahead of the Giants for the first time since July 29, 2001.

“I’ve said it many times, this man might be the best to have ever played this game.”

Bonds, who is 11 for 15 on his team’s homestand with six homers and 13 RBIs, would have preferred better team results.

“No one can carry a team in baseball,” said Bonds, who with seven homers is tied with St. Louis’ Scott Rolen for the major league lead.

“It’s never been done, never will be. We all have to get hot. It’s not one individual.”

Bonds said nothing is going right for the Giants.

“I can’t remember the last time we got swept at home. It’s been a long time. ... We’re not doing it when we need to.”

And at least so far, things couldn’t be better for the Dodgers.

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Fast Start

The Dodgers are 9-3, one of their best starts since moving to L.A. in 1958. Best starts:

*--* Year W-L Overall Finish 1981 10-2 63-47 Won World Series 1969 9-3 85-77 4th in West 1972 9-3 85-70 3rd in West 1974 9-3 102-60 Lost in World Series 1977 9-3 98-64 Lost in World Series 1983 9-3 91-71 Lost in NLCS 1959 8-4 88-68 Won World Series 1965 8-4 97-65 Won World Series 1978 8-4 95-67 Lost in World Series 1988 8-4 94-67 Won World Series 1997 8-4 88-74 2nd in West

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Taking Stock of Bonds

A look at Barry Bonds’ hot streak during the last six games:

*--* DATE OPP. AB R H HR RBI April 12 Milwaukee 3 2 3 1 4 April 13 Milwaukee 3 1 2 1 1 April 14 Milwaukee 0 0 0 0 0 April 16 Dodgers 3 1 1 1 2 April 17 Dodgers 2 1 1 1 1 April 18 Dodgers 4 2 4 2 5 Totals 15 7 11 6 13

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