Beltre Earns This Save

The metamorphosis of Adrian Beltre has occurred nightly onstage at Chavez Ravine, and the show seems to be only getting better.

The star third baseman delivered his grandest performance in a long-running smash, hitting the tying and winning home runs and driving in all the Dodgers’ runs Friday night in a 3-2 victory in 11 innings over the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.

Many in a sellout crowd of 54,993 remained to watch Beltre cap one of the major leagues’ top individual performances this season, ease the disappointment of struggling closer Eric Gagne and end a 3-hour 4-minute game featuring National League division leaders.

He again provided exactly what the Dodgers needed while taking the major league lead in home runs with Nos. 37 and 38 with his sixth multi-homer game this season -- and second in as many nights -- and 10th of his career.

After tying the score, 2-2, in the ninth with a full-count, opposite-field leadoff homer against Atlanta All-Star closer John Smoltz, Beltre connected for the game-winner off Juan Cruz (4-1) -- the Braves’ sixth pitcher -- on a 2-and-2 count, driving a hanging curveball into the left-field pavilion and triggering wild celebrations on the field and in the crowd.

“This is definitely the biggest home run of my career,” said Beltre, who established a career high with his 87th run batted in.

“This feels good, but it’s not my main thing right now. My focus is to help the team make the playoffs.”

Fans chanted “M-V-P” as Beltre circled the bases, and he disappeared into a throng of teammates at the plate. After hugging everyone in the dugout, Beltre, whose double in the fourth provided the Dodgers’ first run, re-emerged for a curtain call and received a thunderous standing ovation.

Just another big night for the Dodgers’ leading man.

“He’s the hottest hitter in the game,” said Smoltz, who suffered only his third blown save in 34 chances. “The guy hasn’t missed a mistake yet this year.”

Said Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox: “He’s a guy who’s swinging a hot bat. He’s in that [Gary] Sheffield class right now.”

The Dodgers (71-50) took the second game of the series against Atlanta (69-52) after dropping the opener.

They maintained a 4 1/2 -game lead over second-place San Francisco while overcoming another shaky outing from Gagne, who gave up the go-ahead run in the ninth. Giovanni Carrara (3-0) worked two scoreless innings, continuing his strong season, and Beltre did something special again.

“The last three days, I haven’t been throwing the ball good,” Gagne said. “But Belly picked me up today.”

The Braves took a 2-1 lead in the ninth on Adam LaRoche’s one-out RBI single as Gagne struggled for the third time in as many games. He gave up the winning run, also on a LaRoche single, in Thursday’s 6-5 loss to Atlanta, and four ninth-inning runs in a 6-4 loss to Florida on Wednesday.

But Beltre’s timely blast off Smoltz got Gagne off the hook Friday and re-energized the crowd as the game went into extra innings.

With the score tied, 1-1, Manager Jim Tracy summoned Gagne to start the ninth, although he had thrown 46 pitches the previous two days while suffering his second blown save of the season against Florida and the loss in the series opener against Atlanta.

Chipper Jones led off with a single over shortstop Cesar Izturis, and Gagne hit Eddie Perez with a pitch while Perez squared to bunt. After Andruw Jones flied out, LaRoche singled up the middle on a 1-and-1 count to drive in Jones from second with the go-ahead run.

Charles Thomas popped up in the infield and Eli Marrero struck out to end the inning and Gagne’s work. In his last three appearances spanning three innings, Gagne has given up nine hits and six earned runs.

On Friday, Gagne threw 23 pitches, putting his three-game total at 69. Since a three-inning stint Aug. 1 against San Diego, Gagne’s earned-run average has increased from 1.41 to 2.36. His ERA in August is 5.54.

“I hope this helps,” Beltre said. “I don’t think he’s struggling

Atlanta starter John Thomson matched Jose Lima for seven strong innings, giving up three hits and one run while throwing 60 strikes in 86 pitches. Lima was just as good, working eight innings, giving up one run and seven hits, and striking out six.

Lima did not issue a walk for the seventh time, throwing 73 strikes in 97 pitches. Although Lima got a no-decision, he was pleased with the outcome.

“They came back strong, but look at Belly,” Lima said. “I don’t know what to say but wow! Wow!”