DREIFORT AS SHARP AS EVER IN VICTORY DODGERS 2, FLORIDA 1.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

In a near-empty clubhouse, nearly an hour after Shawn Green's two-run double in the eighth inning gave the Dodgers a 2-1 victory over the Florida Marlins on Friday at Dodger Stadium, Darren Dreifort stood at his locker munching on an energy bar.

After his longest full-fledged work day in nearly two years, Dreifort earned it, though it's hard to tell by speaking with him. Asked whether he was able to smile yet, the corners of Dreifort's lips rose only slightly and barely exposed a few teeth.

Emotion doesn't exude from Dreifort in many circumstances, but after a stellar eight-inning, eight-strikeout performance, even the stoic Dodgers right-hander allowed himself a slight display of happiness and pride.

Still, Dreifort isn't ready to declare he's 100 percent back even though he appears to have recovered from an almost-unprecedented second reconstructive elbow surgery.

``Get through the season, get to the playoffs, get to the World Series, and I get to be a part of that the whole time, then I'll smile about it,'' said Dreifort, who improved to 3-3 with a 3.51 ERA. ``I've got a long way to go.''

Dreifort, who also had his share of problems with his right knee, revamped his mechanics and overhauled his delivery since his July 2001 ``Tommy John'' surgery, and not even the Dodgers could have imagined how well he has pitched the first quarter of the season.

The only run Dreifort allowed Friday came on Luis Castillo's two-out single in the fifth inning.

That's why Dodgers manager Jim Tracy sent Dreifort out for the eighth inning even though his pitch count was at 103. Dreifort, who received only two runs of support in his three losses, rewarded his manager with a scoreless eighth. He finished with 120 pitches in his longest outing since May 27, 2001.

``I don't feel like I'm gassed out there, which is definitely a bonus,'' Dreifort said. ``I feel good out there. Mechanically, I thought I was pretty good before, but for whatever reason things weren't working out. For whatever reason so far this season, for the most part, things have.''

The slumping Green, who followed his 3-for-20 road trip with a 1-for-10 effort in the first three games of the homestand, had two doubles and three hits. His one-out double to right-center field off Marlins reliever Armando Almanza (3-2) scored Mike Kinkade and Paul Lo Duca with the tying and go-ahead runs.

``For me, one day it clicks, but it hasn't clicked yet,'' Green said. ``I'm just kind of surviving. Just trying to throw some hits out there. It's not there, but hopefully when it clicks, it'll stay for a while.''

Dodgers closer Eric Gagne pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 13th save in as many chances.

``I wanted (Dreifort) to get a win because he's been throwing the ball really, really good,'' Gagne said. ``When it's him, you always give a little extra because I know how hard he's worked, all he's been through with the surgery. I know I've been through one (elbow reconstruction), and I don't think I could ever do it again. He's been through two and working so hard. ... You don't want to blow it (for him).''

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Photo:

(color) Fred McGriff was unable to tag out Juan Pierre on this pick-off attempt but the Dodgers picked off Florida in the end.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer