DODGERS GET WIN BUT LOSE LODUCA DODGERS 10, SAN. FRAN 1.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO - The Dodgers lost their general manager early Thursday, and at night lost their starting catcher possibly for a significant chunk of time.

Dodgers manager Jim Tracy met with his club to explain Kevin Malone's resignation and ask his squad to remain focused on the field during a period he called ``critical'' in the season.

The Dodgers went out and blooped and hustled and pitched their way to a 10-1 win against the San Francisco Giants at Pac Bell Park, but salvaging the final game of the series took on a more melancholy tone given Malone's resignation and the potential loss of Paul LoDuca to injury.

LoDuca, the starting catcher, left the game in the sixth inning with what was termed a mild strain of the left hamstring. LoDuca will be evaluated today in Los Angeles by team physician Dr. Frank Jobe. LoDuca said he thought he would miss a few games but admitted he's never had a muscle pull and isn't sure how his body will respond.

If he misses significant time it leaves the catching duties in the hands of 36-year-old Chad Kreuter and unproven 26-year-old Angel Pena.

``I didn't feel anything pop,'' said LoDuca, who's hitting .378 and proving himself as a strong defensive catcher. ``I have the same flexibility with the left leg that I have with the right leg. It was hurting pretty bad. I came in and iced it and stretched it, and it felt pretty good. Who knows?''

The win ended a streak in which the Dodgers played six consecutive one- run games, of which they won twice. It also enabled the Dodgers (8-8) to avoid being swept by the first-place Giants (9-6) and sends them home for nine games against San Diego, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, which are a combined 20-24.

Given everything that's gone on in regards to Malone, manager Jim Tracy said the focus must remain on the field.

``I don't wan to see us get sidetracked,'' Tracy said. ``These are games in our ballpark that we weren't exactly great in. These next 10 games are critical because we have a chance to make a strong statement for ourselves.''

Hiram Bocachica started at third for the Dodgers and had three hits. He had five career hits entering the night. Gary Sheffield hit his seventh homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Gagne (1-1) allowed one run in a career-high eight innings for his first win. Giants lefty Kirk Rueter (2-1) took the loss after yielding five runs on seven hits in four-plus innings.

Giants left fielder Barry Bonds, who hit his 500th home run in the series opener Tuesday, had his homer streak stopped at six games. It was the longest streak since Ken Griffey Jr. homered in eight games in 1993.

``Eric Gagne, we feel like he's a guy ready to arrive on the scene,'' Tracy said. ``It was his ability to throw strikes early in the count (that made him successful). He got somewhat of a confidence builder when he pitched out of a second and third, none-out jam and gave up only one run.''

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Photo:

The Dodgers' Shawn Green crosses home plate during the fourth inning.

George Nikitin/Associated Press