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Kemp’s HR lifts Dodgers over Cards, NLDS tied at 1

Sports

October 5th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Kemp hit a go-ahead home run leading off the eighth inning, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers over the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 Saturday night and evening their NL Division Series at a game apiece. Kemp practically skipped down the first base line, appearing to coax the ball fair as it sailed inside the foul pole and into the lower left field seats while the crowd of 54,599 erupted in cheers. Bubbles percolated into the hot night air from a machine in the dugout that the Dodgers turn on to celebrate homers.

No one looked happier greeting Kemp in the dugout than J.P. Howell, who had served up a tying, two-run homer to Matt Carpenter in the top of the inning after relieving Zack Greinke. Kemp hugged Howell after connecting off Pat Neshek.

Game 3 is Monday night in St. Louis, with John Lackey starting for the Cardinals against Hyun-Jin Ryu.