BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Strawberry Still Has Fences to Clear

If nothing else, Darryl Strawberry is at least getting closer to hitting a home run.

He hit three balls hard to right field for the first time this season Thursday in a 10-5 loss to the San Diego Padres, then predicted that his dry spell will soon end.

“I felt it in batting practice before the game, I really am feeling better at the plate,” said Strawberry, who is hitting .194 with no home runs and only two extra-base hits, both doubles, in 31 at-bats.

Entering this season, Strawberry had averaged one homer every 15 at-bats.

“I’m telling you, I feel I am ready to start generating the long ball again,’ he said. “That power is starting to come. Real soon.”

Last season, Tim Crews had a 2.77 earned-run average and was considered the club’s most consistent reliever.

This season, he has given up runs in each of his three appearances for a 4.15 ERA. This includes a shaky performance Thursday, when he entered the game in the sixth inning and gave up a leadoff triple to Tony Fernandez, who later scored on a fly ball.

“I feel fine, I feel healthy, my flu is gone and everything should be fine,” Crews said. “I’m not going to change anything I’m doing. I just have to find my groove. I found it last year, I’ll find it this year.”

While Gary Carter has at least been given five pinch-hit appearances--he delivered a pinch single Thursday--Barry Lyons is the only Dodger who has yet to play in a game.

“It’s early yet,” Lyons said. “I’m sure I’ll get in a game sometime . I’m used to watching games, and maybe that’s why I watch them a little closer than other guys. But I am studying every pitcher on the team, and one of these days, when I get my chance, I’ll be ready.

“And I’m sure I’ll get that chance soon. I think. I hope.”