SHEFF COOKS UP LATE RALLY HOMER GIVES DODGERS 9TH IN A ROW DODGERS 4, SAN FRAN. 3.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Usually, Eric Gagne destroys the Dodgers' bullpen by getting knocked from games early. This time it destroyed him.

A painfully deliberate Gagne, trying to ease the anguish of a depleted Dodgers starting rotation, pitched six shutout innings only to have the bullpen blow a three-run lead. But as is the Dodgers' way lately, they found a way to win.

Dodgers left fielder Gary Sheffield bailed out the bullpen, lining a leadoff homer in the bottom of the eighth to give the Dodgers a 4-3 victory against the Giants to extend their winning streak to nine games in front of a fireworks-anticipating sellout crowd of 54,636 at Dodger Stadium.

Catcher Paul Lo Duca added three hits, including his third homer in two games, and Eric Karros had a first-inning RBI single to give the Dodgers (47-37) their longest winning streak since they won 11 in a row in May 1993.

Recalled after going 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Las Vegas, Gagne labored through 114 pitches. He allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out six but wasn't involved in the decision.

However, the big thing for Gagne, and the Dodgers, is he more than survived. The Dodgers are weighing the issue of whether to make a move for a veteran starter or keep Gagne in the rotation.

``My confidence is way up. I know I can do it,'' said Gagne, who lowered his ERA to 5.42. ``It's just a matter of consistency, getting a good feel on the mound and know you can do it. Instead of trying to hit the bat, just get the ground ball and stuff. I'm confident because I'm where I want to be. If I'm aggressive, that's all that matters.''

But another issue developed - what else is new? - for the Dodgers in the first inning. Center fielder Marquis Grissom likely is facing disciplinary action from the commissioner's office for an altercation with home-plate umpire Marvin Hudson in the first inning.

Grissom was quickly ejected after arguing a called strike on a 1-2 pitch. Grissom continued his animated argument, repeatedly pointing his finger in Hudson's face. Hudson said Grissom first hit him in the face while pointing his finger, and then shoved him.

``He made contact, yes, both pointing and with the body,'' Hudson said. ``He cursed me, and that's what got him ejected. He just lost control and I tried walking away.''

Grissom, who declined comment, was restrained by manager Jim Tracy, first-base coach John Shelby and first baseman Eric Karros as he continued to shout at Hudson.

Hudson said he would file a report with Frank Robinson, who administers discipline for the commissioner's office. Former Angels pitcher Tim Belcher was suspended three games last season for excessive arguing and making contact with an umpire.

``I've seen Marquis Grissom mad before, but I've never seen him that upset,'' Tracy said. ``He said that he hadn't even cursed the man. I didn't like the tone that was set in the first inning of the game. There were two in Gary Sheffield's at-bat that weren't even close. We'll deal with (a ruling) when it comes.''

As planned, Gagne was sent back to the minors after the start to make room for reliever Mike Fetters, who will be activated today. However, Tracy said Gagne wouldn't start in Las Vegas and would rejoin the Dodgers' rotation after the All-Star break.

However, in what position remains a question. The Dodgers will shuffle the order of their rotation after the break to separate right-handers Kevin Brown and Chan Ho Park in an effort to ease the bullpen's work. Both pitchers work deep into games, while Terry Adams, Luke Prokopec and Gagne have more five- and six-inning pitchers.

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Photo:

(color) The Dodgers' Marquis Grissom loses his cool after being ejected by home-plate umpire Marvin Hudson.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer