LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Holliday dropped a sinking line drive for an error with two outs in the ninth inning, leading to a two-run rally by the Los Angeles Dodgers that gave them a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

Ronnie Belliard and pinch-hitter Mark Loretta hit RBI singles off closer Ryan Franklin, giving the Dodgers a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NL playoff series. Game 3 is Saturday in St. Louis.

With the bases empty and the Cardinals on the verge on tying the series, Holliday charged in on James Loney’s liner to left field. But the ball hit his midsection and dropped to the grass, allowing Loney to reach second.

Franklin walked Casey Blake before Belliard singled up the middle, scoring pinch-runner Juan Pierre. A passed ball moved runners up to second and third, and Franklin walked Russell Martin on four pitches to load the bases.

Loretta, batting for reliever George Sherrill, was 0 for 15 in his career against Franklin before fisting a soft single to center that drove in Blake.

It triggered a huge celebration, with teammates jumping on Loretta in a pile between first and second base.

“Unfortunately, I did know the numbers,” Loretta said. “This series is far from over. St. Louis is a very talented team. We’re going to have to keep battling as hard as we can.”

Sherrill got the win for the Dodgers, in position for a sweep in the opening round for the second consecutive year. Last year, they won the first two games at Wrigley Field before closing out the Chicago Cubs at home in Game 3.

Franklin took the loss, spoiling a stellar performance from starter Adam Wainwright, who turned in eight strong innings.

Wainwright, the NL leader with 19 victories, was outstanding. The right-hander allowed one run and three hits, struck out seven and walked one.

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