His Game Is Nearly Complete

The cackle that accompanies Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” might haunt the Colorado Rockies for days. The song is played at Dodger Stadium when Jeff Weaver walks to the mound and when he walks to the plate.

Weaver did damage with his arm and his bat Tuesday night, pitching eight-plus innings and driving in three runs on three hits in an 8-3 victory at Dodger Stadium that started a six-game homestand on a positive note and supplied a welcome distraction from the verbal sparring between center fielder Milton Bradley and second baseman Jeff Kent.

The Dodgers (57-68) pulled into a tie for second place with Arizona in the National League West, five games behind first-place San Diego.

“We’ve known the division is going to come down to the last five weeks and it’s up to us,” outfielder Jayson Werth said. “Our future is in our hands and we’ll make of it what we will.”

And when they play opponents in their division, the Dodgers often resemble a decent team.

Oscar Robles, playing shortstop because Cesar Izturis was sidelined by lower back pain, turned in the big play and delivered the big hit.

He dived for a ground ball and started a double play with runners on first and third to end the third inning and cleared the bases with a double after Weaver’s bunt single loaded the bases in the fourth, extending the lead to 6-2.

Werth had two hits and stole two bases, and Dioner Navarro doubled, singled and scored three runs.

Weaver (12-8) has won his last five decisions and is on his way to posting the first winning record of his seven-year career. He is also having his best year at the plate, batting .291.

“It’s equally satisfying to do well pitching and hitting,” he said. “But how about the squad winning some games? We won, that’s what matters.”

The victory came without the services of Bradley, who didn’t play because of a sore knee. Before the game, Bradley sounded off about Kent.

General Manager Paul DePodesta did not return a phone call before the game, but afterward issued the following statement:

“Everyone at the Los Angeles Dodgers is committed to winning. It has been a frustrating season for all of us and our fans, as we have dealt with plenty of adversity. We have a talented team of passionate players who take their performance, as well as the team’s performance, personally.

“Under the circumstances, it is not unusual for players’ emotions to run high. However, if and when any issue arises that runs contrary to the goals and values of the organization, there should be no question that we address it.”