Dodgers beat Giants 3-2 for 6th straight victory

Elian Herrera singled in the go-ahead run with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the NL West champion San Francisco Giants on Monday night that kept their postseason hopes alive.

"It's really exciting," Herrera said, grinning after his first career walk-off hit and fourth game-winning RBI of the season. "They are playing so good. They just have to keep playing like that."

The Dodgers' sixth consecutive victory tied a season high and kept them two games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild card. Their win prevented the Cardinals from clinching a playoff berth after St. Louis beat Cincinnati 4-2. The Dodgers and Cardinals each have two games remaining.

"Hopefully the Reds can get out to a good lead and turn it over to their bullpen, which is very strong," A.J. Ellis said.

Los Angeles' winning streak began after opening a three-game series in San Diego with a 2-1 loss last Tuesday. Mattingly talked to his players in a meeting described by Ellis as "pretty tough."

"He called us on the carpet," Ellis said. "Since then, guys have looked themselves in the mirror stronger."

Mattingly's message involved having "players take more accountability," the catcher said.

"I'd like to be clinched at this point," Mattingly said. "But the guys have kept fighting. We'll take care of our business and hope for help."

Hanley Ramirez led off the ninth with a single off Santiago Casilla (7-6), advanced on a sacrifice by Shane Victorino and was held up at third on Luis Cruz's single. Ellis was intentionally walked and Herrera lined an 0-1 pitch off the glove of second baseman Marco Scutaro for the winning run.

"That ball was smoked," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of Herrera's liner. "We were in a tough situation there. Marco made a great effort."