Dodgers deliver in the clutch, humble Atlanta 8-2

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the thick of a pennant race because they've been thriving in pressure situations. Matt Kemp, Russell Martin and Joe Beimel are perfect examples.

Kemp had three RBIs, including a tiebreaking two-run homer off John Smoltz, and first-time All-Star Russell Martin had a career-high four hits to lead the Dodgers over the Atlanta Braves 8-2 on Monday night.

Martin hit a game-tying RBI double and singled home another run during a five-run seventh, extended his hitting streak to 12 games and raising his average with runners in scoring position to .345.

''I don't know why,'' Martin said. ''It just seems like when there's a pressure situation, my adrenaline level gets up. It gives me a little energy boost, and maybe I concentrate and focus a little bit more with guys in scoring position. I just wish I could have that same approach every time I'm hitting.''

Derek Lowe and Smoltz (9-5) were in a duel through five innings, with the score 1-1. Lowe, who threw 104 pitches, left after the Braves opened the sixth with singles by Chipper and Andruw Jones.

Beimel (2-1) struck out Kelly Johnson after loading the bases with a one-out intentional walk to Jeff Francoeur, then retired pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia on a groundout - thanks to a diving stop in the hole by second baseman Jeff Kent.

Beimel, who pitched two hitless innings for the win, has allowed only two of his 25 inherited runners to score.

''That's something you don't really think about when you're out there. You just want to get the job done,'' said Beimel, who turned Chipper Jones' comebacker into an inningending double play in the seventh. ''I just want to come in and leave those guys there and keep those runs from being charged to Derek.''