A GIANT LEAP FOR HUNDLEY, PEREZ; DODGERS ARE PROPELLED BY TURNAROUND PERFORMANCES : DODGERS 7, SAN FRANCISCO 6.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Carlos Perez pitched like it was another year, the reliable bullpen faltered and the once-embattled Todd Hundley, who took a 10-day respite from catching, provided the biggest moment of the Dodgers' season Saturday.

The Dodgers' 7-6 win against the Giants at 3Com Park, which came complements of Hundley's second home run, a three-run shot in the ninth, was an absolute variation from what's taken place so far.

It's also what the Dodgers have expected throughout this season, outside of reliever Alan Mills' three runs allowed in the eighth.

At best, it can catapult them into an area of where they should be - which isn't 34-38 and in fourth place, even after their second straight win.

Whatever happens next, after they blew a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth, Hundley's second homer provided the excitement and drama that's been lacking.

``That was a baseball game there, baby,'' Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said. ``That was one heckuva ball game. If you don't like that, you don't like baseball.''

It began with Perez, whose ERA was 13.86 in three June starts. He pitched 6-2/3 innings and left with a 3-2 lead thanks to Hundley's two-run homer into the upper deck in the third and Perez's surprise two-out bunt single to drive in Devon White in the fourth. A solo homer in the eighth by Adrian Beltre made it 4-2.

But that was wiped away after a three-run homer by Ellis Burks off Mills in the bottom of the eighth after leadoff walks to Barry Bonds (by Pedro Borbon) and Jeff Kent (by Mills). The Giants added a sacrifice fly for a 6-4 lead and brought in closer Robb Nen.

Dave Hansen doubled and Eric Young singled. Hundley turned on an 0-1 pitch for another upper-deck shot. Before Nen could record an out, the Dodgers had the lead back and Hundley had a season-high five RBI.

And Mills (2-1) won despite giving up three runs on three hits. Jeff Shaw notched his 18th save and Nen's record fell to 3-2.

``That's one they took from us,'' Giants manager Dusty Baker said. ``Maybe we can get it back later this season. I don't like it. It hurts your stomach.''

Nen's fourth blown save in 22 chances came on the return of what could be a glorious comeback story for Hundley.

In his first start since June 13, Hundley has caused Johnson to reconsider his catching situation.

Hundley, whose 10 homers are all from the left side, also homered in the ninth inning of Friday's 4-2 win. But nearly as important was that, even though the Giants stole three bases Saturday, two of Hundley's throws were on line and quick despite the runners getting big jumps.

``With what he went through, and again I take full responsibility . . . it wasn't fair,'' Johnson said. ``It was my fault.''

Johnson's newfangled plan called for Hundley to catch Perez, Chan Ho Park and Kevin Brown. Angel Pena will catch for Ismael Valdes and Darren Dreifort because they have more trouble holding runners close.

But Hundley's power surge could change that.

``Maybe we'll do a modification of that,'' Johnson said. ``He's going to be in there (today with Park).''

Hundley was asked if the homers were redemption, vindication or encouragement for what he's experienced.

``All of the above,'' Hundley said. ``The bottom line is winning.''

However, one thing the Dodgers haven't done is sustain momentum from one day to another. Big wins are followed by dismal, uninspired losses. Bad losses are followed by wins.

Such is the pattern for a team that hasn't won more than two straight since a five-game winning streak April 27 through May 1. But the Dodgers have already won a series for just the second time in eight opportunities.

``It's a great win, it came against a great closer,'' Young said. ``It was good for our catcher to get the hit and Perez did an outstanding job. It's something we have to keep feeling. We have to come to the park (today) and remember this and keep feeling like this.''

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Giants reliever Robb Nen can't watch Todd Hundley circle the bases with his ninth-inning, three-run homer.

(2) Todd Hundley, greeted by Eric Young and Dave Hansen at home after his ninth-inning homer, drove in five runs Saturday.

Eric Risberg/Associated Press