Dodgers: 20 years ago today

By Matt McHale
Staff Writer

The Dodgers never would never admit the sublime has become the routine. Or that they are no longer underdogs to the mighty Oakland Athletics in the 85th World Series.

There is something in the way Orel Hershiser has pitched the last seven weeks that underscores the description overachievers. In Sunday night's 6-0 victory, the Dodgers took a two-game lead in the best-of-seven series and the A's got just one runner to second base.

Hershiser even had three hits, including a pair of doubles, and is being jokingly considered as a designated hitter when the series resumes Tuesday in Oakland.

The A's had three hits, all singles by Dave Parker. Run that by the betting crowd in Las Vegas, which listed Oakland as almost 2-1 favorites, and see what they think.

"There is just something about playing behind him that has become almost magical," third baseman Jeff Hamilton said. "You get this sense that he's incapable of pitching a bad game. That makes us play harder. I won't say we're a different team when he's out there, but it sure seems that way."

After Saturday night's electrifying Series-opening win, Sunday's victory had an eerie similarity to the Dodgers' playoff Game 7 clincher last Wednesday over the New York Mets. The Dodgers jumped out early and let Hershiser take over.

It had none of the drama of Kirk Gibson's two-out, two-run game-winning home run from the night before. In fact, Sunday's game didn't have Gibson at all. His sprained right knee survived just 10 minutes of pre-game batting practice and his Series future is still in doubt.

But to compensate, a five-run third inning, highlighted by Mike Marshall's three-run homer off right-hander Storm Davis, gave Hershiser a lead he enjoyed but barely needed.

The Dodgers had five consecutive hits -- one short of a World Series record. Hershiser started the rally with one out when he singled to center. When Steve Sax punched a base hit to right, Hershiser raced all the way to third.

"Right there you saw how fired up he was," Mickey Hatcher said. "We all got a charge out of seeing Orel run.

When the Dodgers were finally retired, Hershiser went out and fanned the top of the A's order -- Carney Lansford, Dave Henderson and Canseco -- in order.

The next inning, Hershiser lined a hit-and-run double to right that scored Alfredo Griffin from first. He becomes the first pitcher since the New York Giants' Art Nehf to get three hits in one game.

Hershiser threw 71 pitches through seven innings, the same number Tim Belcher threw in two innings in Game 1. He finished throwing 106 pitches, walking two and striking out eight.

In the post-season, Hershiser has allowed three runs in the 33-2/3 innings. Add that to his record-setting 59 consecutive scoreless innings ending the season and Hershiser has an ERA of 0.29 over that period.

"Hershiser pitched a great game," Parker said. "I got my hits, but the rest of the guys couldn't do anything off him. He got some big ground balls and strike outs when he needed them. If you want to know who I think is the best pitcher, it's (Houston's) Mike Scott."

Parker caught a break not having to face Scott, but probably will be rested Tuesday night when the Dodgers start left-hander John Tudor against Bob Welch.

Welch never has fared well in the postseason, allowing 18 runs in 16 innings over 11 games. He faces a lineup of former teammates who were aggressive at the plate Sunday, despite Gibson's absence.

In the third, Franklin Stubbs and Hatcher drove in runs before Marshall unloaded on an 0-2 pitch into the left-field stands.

"There was a left-handed hitter behind me," Marshall said. "They usually walk Guerrero or Gibson to get to me. I think (Davis) was going for the strikeout in that situation. He tried to get a fastball by me. But he got more of the plate than he wanted to and the ball just carried out."

Marshall batted .233 with five RBI against the Mets. But now the Dodgers were minus Gibson and Marshall knew he had to carry more offensive responsibility.

"During the Mets series, I was getting close to driving the ball," he said. "Pitchers have been pitching me tough. With Gibson out, they still know there's one or two guys in the lineup that can hurt them. (Dave) Stewart was tough on me yesterday and Davis struck me out in the first. As soon as I hit it, I knew I would at least get the runner in from third."

The Dodgers also continued to play impressive defense, turning two double plays on Mark McGwire that canceled leadoff singles by Parker.

"When we execute fundamentals and play good defense we can play with anyone," reserve catcher Rick Dempsey said. "But we have maintain that level. This series is far from over."

If the mood in the Dodger clubhouse was cautious, the Athletics' tone remained confident. Fifty four of their 104 regular-season victories came at home. Although they were beaten by two brilliant individual efforts, they are not down, even making today's off-season workout optional.

"You can't overemphasize this stuff, you have to keep it simple," A's general manager Sandy Alderson said. "One guy beat us last night. One guy beat us tonight."

The Dodgers know their home-field victories offer no guarantee of taking the Series. It is the fourth straight year that a team has taken a 2-0 lead and only the Minnesota Twins (1987) have taken the World Series title. In the last 33 years, the 16 teams that took 2-0 leads have won just seven times.

"The home field will help us," A's catcher Ron Hassey said. "Just
because you're down two games, you don't quit. You never know in baseball."

You do know Hershiser will be back for Game 5 and could pitch Game 7 on two days rest if needed.

With the Dodgers winning the first two games, it's unlikely Hershiser will be pressed into relief duty as he was against the Mets. Hershiser saved Game 4 the day after winning Game 3 and even warmed up in the bullpen in Game 5. Whatever he does, it won't change the attitude of teammates, who know he is the reason they are here.