DODGER NOTEBOOK: BIGGER SERIES IS WITH GIANTS.

Byline: Kevin Acee Daily News Staff Writer

Today and Wednesday might be a big deal for some fans, as the Dodgers and Angels meet at Dodger Stadium for the first time in games that count.

What really counts for the Dodgers is the series that follows. After four games in San Francisco, Thursday through Sunday, the Dodgers will have saved face or have facts to face.

As the losses have continued, the Dodgers (32-35) have maintained that everything is OK because they have never been too far behind the first-place Giants. Third in the NL West and a season-high six games back now, the middle of June, the Dodgers hope to make up a few games this weekend.

``It's a big series for us because we're chasing them,'' Eric Karros said. ``We can gain some ground or we can dig ourselves a real big hole.''

A split will mean nothing.

``We've got to have the mindset we have to go in there and take three out of four,'' Mike Piazza said.

The Dodgers hope to start proving something else as well.

They figure, like everyone else, the Giants must be doing this - a 38-29 record and 2-1/2-game lead over Colorado after being picked to finish last - with mirrors.

``Maybe we have something to look forward to,'' Piazza said. ``The Giants the last couple months have played their best baseball and we haven't played good at all.

``Maybe not. Maybe it's their year. You have to think of that, too. But that is what we have to hope - that they falter.''

Pitcher up: National League rules apply today and Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. That means pitchers bat.

While Dodgers manager Bill Russell said the designated hitter takes away some of the game's strategy, Oakland manager Art Howe thinks NL managers are the lucky ones.

``We're going to be at a real disadvantage when we play at their parks,'' said Howe, a former National League manager and a Dodgers scout. ``Hitters one through eight better do some damage, because No. 9 is going to be nonexistent.''