Matt Freed, Post-Gazette A PROPOSAL: Lindsay Pascuzzi, 22, of Monroeville shows her love for Pirates starter Zach Duke before the home opener yesterday. "I just hope he sees my sign," said Pascuzzi. Click photo for larger image.

Jason Repko and Olmedo Saenz, who have been major players against the Pirates in the past, yesterday showed 2006 might not be any different.

Repko had a two-run home run in the first inning, quickly putting a damper on the hoopla surrounding the Pirates' home opener. And he quieted what remained of the optimism at PNC Park with a two-run triple in the second inning.

The four RBIs matched Repko's career high -- which he first achieved against the Pirates Sept. 26, 2005. In his past two games against the Pirates, Repko has eight RBIs -- and three triples.

Because he had a home run and a triple by the second inning, did Repko think about hitting for the cycle yesterday?

"Guys mentioned it, and even I thought about it," he said. "It sounds so easy [after] having the two toughest hits out of the way."

It wasn't to be, though.

Repko fouled out in the fourth inning, flied to center in the seventh and lined out in the ninth.

Overall, he's 8 for 22 lifetime against the Pirates.

Saenz lifetime against the Pirates is 14 for 30 with four home runs and 14 RBIs, which is pretty good stuff. But he has been downright remarkable at PNC Park -- 11 for 19 with the four home runs and 13 of the 14 RBIs.

He hit that fourth home run in the fifth inning with a teammate aboard, boosting the Dodgers to a 7-0 lead en route to their 8-3 victory against the Pirates.

Did we mention that Saenz is a right-handed batter, the type of hitter who isn't supposed to fare well in PNC Park because of the vast acreage in left and left-center field?

"I guess I just see the ball better here than in other places," he said, trying to explain his PNC Park success. "The background is pretty good. I don't really know, believe me."

Repko, benefiting from Kenny Lofton's presence on the disabled list, is 10 for 27 with a home run and seven RBIs in seven games this season.

"That's probably a little bit beyond our expectations," Dodgers manager Grady Little said. "But he works hard and is a good student, and good things happen to people like that."

"That's one thing I was taught growing up -- work hard," Repko said. "I enjoy work. This is my job, but I also enjoy doing it."