Penny Says He’s Not Afraid of Bonds

Short of suffering a season-ending loss, it can be a pitcher’s worst nightmare. Giving up a landmark home run, even if it doesn’t result in a loss, can mean being forced to watch yourself embarrassed over and over again for years to come on sports highlight shows.

Just ask former Dodger left-hander Al Downing, who is still subjected to seeing himself throw the pitch Hank Aaron hit for his record 715th home run more than three decades ago.

But the way right-hander Brad Penny, tonight’s starter against the Giants in San Francisco, has it figured, he doesn’t have to worry about that if Barry Bonds hits a home run against him tonight.

Just so long as Bonds, who is one shy of Babe Ruth’s total of 714, doesn’t hit two.

“It’s not the guy who throws the pitch that ties Bonds with Ruth,” Penny said. “It’s the guy who throws the pitch which Bonds hits to pass Ruth. That’s the one they will show over and over.”

But Penny promises he won’t be overly cautious tonight, that he won’t be afraid to face Bonds, even though he concedes the left-handed-hitting slugger is the best hitter he has ever faced.

“He’s already hit three home runs off me,” Penny said.

Overall, Bonds has five hits against Penny in 13 at-bats, with four runs batted in.

*

Second baseman Jeff Kent, who spent six years in a Giant uniform, declined to discuss his feelings about possibly being an unwilling participant in a historic game for Bonds.

“The Giants will be wearing black, and we will be wearing blue,” he said, “and that’s all I’ve got to say about the game.”

Kent moved up the career home run ladder himself Thursday, although he is far removed from the heights achieved by his former teammate.

Kent’s home run against the Astros was his third in as many games and the 335th of his career, tying him with former Dodger Darryl Strawberry and former Angel Jim Edmonds for 81st place on the all-time list. It was also his 310th as a second baseman, the highest total at that position.

*

Closer Eric Gagne, who has yet to pitch this season as he continues to recover from surgery on his right elbow, threw from a mound Wednesday for the first time in his recovery.

Gagne might be ready for a rehabilitation assignment in two weeks, according to Manager Grady Little.