At Los Angeles, Olmedo Saenz hit a two-run homer and the Dodgers scored the go-ahead run on a bases-loaded walk to beat the Pittsburgh, avoiding what would have been a crushing three-game sweep by former manager Jim Tracy's club.

The victory gave the Dodgers a half-game lead over idle Philadelphia in the NL wild-card race and kept them a half-game behind the West Division-leading San Diego Padres, who beat Arizona 3-1. The Pirates next three games are at San Diego, while the Dodgers host the Diamondbacks.

Rookie Chad Billingsley (6-4) allowed two runs and six hits over five innings. In his previous start last Saturday, he lasted only one inning and gave up three runs in an 11-2 loss to the Padres.

Shane Youman (0-2) was charged with three runs, three hits and four walks over 4 1-3 innings in his second major league start. The left-hander filled in for Paul Maholm, who had soreness in his rotator cuff.