Dodgers defeat Rockies, 3-0, to keep playoff hopes alive

The Dodgers’ playoff bid still has a pulse.

As Matt Kemp’s two home runs led the Dodgers past the Colorado Rockies, 3-0, at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night, the St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Washington Nationals, 6-4, in 10 innings.

That lifted the Dodgers to within two games of the Cardinals for the second National League wild-card berth, which is the only way the Dodgers can reach the postseason.

But the Dodgers have only four games left in the regular season: One more with Colorado and three with the San Francisco Giants, also at Dodger Stadium.

Kemp led the Dodgers’ fourth consecutive win with solo home runs in the fourth and eighth innings, giving him 22 homers for the season.

Also in the fourth inning, Hanley Ramirez singled against Rockies starter Tyler Chatwood, stole second base and scored on A.J. Ellis’ single for the Dodgers’ second run of the game.

Dodgers starting pitcher Joe Blanton held Colorado scoreless on seven hits in six-plus innings of work.

Colorado also failed to score against Dodgers relievers Ronald Belisario, Kenley Jansen and Brandon League.

ALSO:

NBA uniorn leader Billy Hunter made big bucks despite lockout

For Lakers Coach Mike Brown, pressure to win is part of job

Raiders’ Darrius Heyward-Bey doesn’t remember hit that led to injury