ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR PARK PITCHER SIDELINED WITH BACK SPASMS CHICAGO 4, DODGERS 0.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

CHICAGO - Perhaps it's coincidence the Dodgers' top two pitchers have ailing backs considering how much the team is counting on its starting pitchers to carry the team.

Chan Ho Park was in the midst of his most commanding game of the season Friday when back spasms nearly thrust the right-hander to the ground in the seventh inning. Park was forced from the game, the Cubs went on to score three runs in the inning and beat the Dodgers 4-0 at Wrigley Field.

The status of Park for his start Wednesday at Dodger Stadium could be determined today, but there is concern since Park experienced similar back spasms during a bullpen session Tuesday in Cincinnati.

Dodgers right-hander Kevin Brown has been plagued by lower back stiffness this season.

``When I saw it I knew exactly what it was, except when I saw it on Tuesday he collapsed on the mound,'' Dodgers pitching coach Jim Colborn said. ``I'm sure (now) we're going to look a lot more closely at what his condition is. Nobody was too concerned about it on Tuesday, but maybe they'll try to see what the source is.''

Colborn said the importance of the spasms in Cincinnati was diminished because Park broke from his usual routine Monday. Rather than running and working out, the club traveled from Los Angeles. Colborn added Park said his body was out of kilter and he felt tight before the bullpen session.

Park has been plagued with minor back irritations the last few years. Dodgers trainer Stan Johnston said one reason for the back problems is Park has scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Park will be evaluated again today.

``I'm ready for tomorrow morning to see if it's worse or gets better,'' Park said. ``Hopefully, it gets better. I can't tell like this.''

Park, who struck out eight and didn't walk a batter, experienced the pain on his first pitch to Rondell White with runners on first and second and none out in the seventh inning. After several minutes of deep knee bends on the mound, Park (3-3) left for the trainer's room.

Matt Herges relieved and had his second consecutive tough outing. Not only did the two inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly from former Dodgers catcher Todd Hundley and an infield single from Damon Buford, but Herges also yielded a sacrifice fly to Ron Coomer. Gregg Olson allowed an RBI single to Gary Matthews Jr. in the eighth to complete the scoring.

``It's very unfortunate,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. ``I don't know what the full outcome of that inning would have been, but the way (Park) was throwing the ball I still think he may have been able to make some pitches and get himself out of that.''

Before the injury, Park and Cubs starter Kevin Tapani were dueling, each catching a break on well-hit balls that were held in play by a strong wind.

Tapani (4-1), who allowed four hits, walked two and struck out seven in seven innings, gave much of the credit to Hundley. The two usually meet before games to discuss scouting reports, but that was canceled because of Hundley's knowledge of the Dodgers' batter order. The Dodgers' middle of the lineup - Gary Sheffield, Shawn Green, Eric Karros and Dave Hansen - were a combined 1 for 14 with three strikeouts.

``Obviously, I'm not going to give any secrets away,'' said Hundley, who played the last two seasons in Los Angeles. ``Three through six (in the batting order), those guys are stacked. You try to get through those guys and not give up a run.''