DODGERS NOTEBOOK: JOHNSON CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT PARK'S TROUBLES - YET.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

For the first two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Dodgers catcher Charles Johnson just put the glove down and let the pitchers go to work.

Sunday, Johnson's job was far more difficult, trying to get inside the head of Chan Ho Park, who lasted just 2-1/3 innings in an 8-5 loss.

Unlike Darren Dreifort and Ramon Martinez, who have pitched well in their two starts with Johnson, Park is struggling. He came into the game allowing 18 runs in his last 18 innings on the road.

``At this point there isn't much I can do to help him through the mental things he is going through,'' Johnson said. ``It is difficult to understand that part of the game, how a guy responds to pressure. That takes time.''

Dreifort and Martinez both praised Johnson for his pitch selection. They allowed just one run between them in a pair of complete-game victories. Entering Sunday's game, Dodgers starters had allowed three earned runs in 24 innings.

That is the most important thing Johnson brings to the Dodgers. He is 0 for 20 on the road trip, but it's more important that he try to get Park through slumps like this.

``I know he threw well in the bullpen before the game, but he never found his release point during the game. Chan Ho has great stuff. There aren't many guys out there with a 98-mph fastball.''

Quick Hits: Dennis Reyes struck out six in relief of Park, tying a career high accomplished twice in 1997, his rookie season. . . . Paul Konerko made his first appearance at third base when he replaced Bobby Bonilla for the ninth inning. . . . Andy Fox, who went 2 for 5, is batting .378 (13 for 37) since taking over the leadoff spot for Arizona nine games ago. The Dodgers scouted Fox during spring training when he was with the Yankees but passed on him. . . Brad Cresse, son of Dodgers bullpen coach Mark Cresse, hit two home runs, including a grand slam, Sunday as defending NCAA champion LSU routed Cal State Fullerton 14-3 to earn a return trip to the College World Series.

DODGERS vs. HOUSTON

Time: 1:05 p.m., Astrodome.

TV/Radio: ESPN; 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: In the first of three games against the National League Central leaders, Hideo Nomo (2-6, 4.55) faces right-hander Jose Lima (6-2, 2.93). On April 13, Nomo defeated Lima 3-1 at Dodger Stadium. Nomo allowed six hits and three runs in his last start, but the Cubs' Kevin Tapani pitched a three-hit shutout. Nomo did not allow a run until the sixth, but Dodgers batters have just five hits in his last two starts.

--- Matt McHale

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