L.A. RESERVE FUN; BENCH PLAYERS KEY DODGERS VICTORY : DODGERS 6, SAN DIEGO 2.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

With their most vocal cheerleader loving every minute of it in the press box, the Dodgers inched back a little bit closer in the National League West race.

Two reserves added some surprising punch to help the Dodgers overcome a one-run deficit and score five runs in the eighth inning Friday night en route to a dramatic 6-2 victory over the division-leading Padres in front of 53,245 at Dodger Stadium.

Down 2-1 going into the eighth, pinch-hitter Wilton Guerrero started off the Dodgers rally with a one-out single. Rookie Adrian Beltre, who came in at the top of the inning, followed with a single that pushed Guerrero to third. Eric Young followed by milking a 3-2 count of San Diego's Dan Miceli before hitting a grounder to third baseman Ken Caminiti. As Guerrero sprinted toward the plate, Caminiti overthrew catcher Carlos Hernandez, whose legs went out from under him and couldn't retrieve the ball, allowing Beltre to score the go-ahead run.

An enthusiastic Tommy Lasorda punched his fist in the air in excitement afterwards in the press box. And when the Dodgers followed with the first of their next three runs, the interim general manager exclaimed, ``Yea, yea, yea.''

The second straight victory over the Padres trimmed the Dodgers' deficit to 11-1/2 games behind their divisional foe. The Dodgers (45-44) also moved a game over .500 for the first time since May 13. Moreover, the Dodgers have won six of their last eight games.

New closer Jeff Shaw was also impressive in his first appearance as a Dodger in the ninth inning. After getting his first batter to ground out, and striking out the next, Shaw finished the game by getting Tony Gwynn to popout to center field.

Despite Shaw's heroics, he might not be a Dodger after this season. A source said the 32-year-old can apparently ask to be traded after the season.

Because the seventh-year major leaguer has five years of service and was traded while under a multi-year deal, he can ask the Dodgers to trade him after the season. If Shaw, who has two more years left on his contract, makes the request, the Dodgers would have 15 days to trade him or they would lose him to free agency. The source said Lasorda didn't inquire about that possibility before making a deal on July 4 that sent promising infielder/outfielder Paul Konerko and left-hander Dennis Reyes to Cincinnati.

``I'm not worried about that. No . . . no,'' said Lasorda.

That may be why Lasorda promised reliever Antonio Osuna that he would not be traded and that he would get some save opportunities. On Friday, however, Dodgers manager Glenn Hoffman said that Osuna would receive only save opportunities when Shaw needs rest. Osuna (5-0) pitched -2/3 innings of relief Friday and earned the win.

San Diego right-hander Kevin Brown entered the game with a 7-0 record in his last eight starts. But in the first inning, he was tested by the Dodgers when he gave up a two-out RBI single to fellow All-Star Gary Sheffield and allowed three hits.

Dodgers starter Darren Dreifort began strongly, allowing just one hit during the first three innings. But in the fourth, the Padres took a 2-1 lead after an RBI single by Caminiti and a two-out fielding error by Dodgers shortstop Juan Castro helped Greg Vaughn score from third.

Dreifort lasted six innings for the second straight outing and allowed two runs and four hits while striking out five and walking four. The right-hander hasn't won a game at Dodger Stadium since May 16 against Montreal.

DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO

Time: 7:05 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: FSW2; XTRA-AM (1150), 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: In the third of a four-game series, Dodgers right-hander Ismael Valdes (6-8, 4.19) will face Padres right-hander Andy Ashby (11-5, 2.54). Valdes has allowed only 14 earned runs in his past 50-2/3 innings, lowering his ERA 1.29 points. Ashby will attempt to equal his career high in wins today.

--- Marc J. Spears

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos, Box

PHOTO (1--Color) Dodgers manager Glenn Hoffman argues a call with second-base umpire Angel Hernandez.

(2) Dodgers center fielder Raul Mondesi loses his cap, a la Willie Mays, but he can't catch up to this fly ball against the San Diego Padres.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News

BOX: DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO (see text)