LA Dodgers defeat Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 (12 innings). This was a very strange game. Bad defense followed by great defense in one play. Squeaking runs through. It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win. Starter Clayton Kershaw could only go five innings and for most of the game it was back and forth. James Loney finally came through with the winning RBI single in the 12th inning. The Dodgers magic number is now down to seven and face only the Giants and Padres in their remaining nine games. If things go right, the Dodgers could clinch the division at home.

LA Angels defeat Oakland A's 6-4. Kendry Morales, Mike Napoli and Brandon Wood exploded in the seventh inning with back-to-back-to-back home runs giving the Angels a 6-0 lead. But the bullpen in the ninth inning with Jason Bulger and Jose Arredondo falter giving up two runs each forcing closer Francisco Rodriguez into the game. He would get the final two outs notching his 59th save. The Angels lead the Tampa Bay Rays by two in the loss column for best record in the AL.

Notable Notes

• It was two years ago when the Dodgers had their famous 4+1 game. Trailing the Padres by a 1/2 game and trailing 9-5 in the bottom of the ninth Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson would tie the game on consecutive home runs. The Padres would score another run in the tenth, but with Kenny Lofton on first Nomar Garciaparra would smash in the winning run sending the Dodgers to first place and the fans into a frenzy. The Dodgers would end up winning 88 games and the wild card then get swept by the Mets in the first round of the playoffs.
• It's back to the future time. After eight years of having Las Vegas their AAA affiliate, the Dodgers will be returning to Albuquerque which had been affiliated with the Dodgers from 1963 to 2000. And yes Simpson fans, they are the Albuquerque Isotopes. The Dodgers will also move their AA team from Jacksonville to Chatanooga, TN.

Tonight's Action

San Francisco Giants at LA Dodgers. Barry Zito will get the start for the Giants against Greg Maddux. 7:40 pm FSN Prime Ticket, AM 790 KABC.

LA Angels at Texas Rangers. Jon Garland will go to the hill for the Angels against Matt Harrison.

AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar