Dodgers rally to defeat Rays 7-6

Dominican closer Fernando Rodney gave up four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and made a throwing error that allowed the gamewinning run to score as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for an improbable 76 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

With Friday’s victory at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles has now won 35 of its last 43 games dating back to June 22.

On the game’s final atbat, left fielder Jerry Hairston Jr. hit a ground ball back to Rodney, who fielded it and whirled around and threw the ball wildly into center field in a bid to get a force out at second base.

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who had doubled in the tying run earlier in the inning, came around to score from second base on the error.

Venezuelan reliever Ronald Belisario (56) got the win after replacing Carlos Marmol in the top of the ninth inning with two men on and no one out and retiring three straight batters.

Rodney (43) took the loss after giving up four hits including two doubles and a triple and walking one batter intentionally.

The ninthinning collapse spoiled an outstanding pitching performance by Rays starter David Price, who worked seven innings and gave up just one unearned run.

Dodgers starter Chris Capuano had a rocky start, giving up six runs in 4 1/3 innings, but, like Price, ended up with a no decision.

Los Angeles improved its record to 6550 and maintained its 5.5game lead in the National League West division over the secondplace Arizona Diamondbacks, who defeated the New York Mets 54.

The Rays fell to 6648 and remained two games behind the American League Eastleading Boston Red Sox, who lost to the Kansas City Royals 96.