Dodgers vs. Cardinals, 2014 NLDS Game 2 final score: Matt Kemp home run gives LA 3-2 win

Matt Kemp rescued the Dodgers from another late-inning meltdown on Saturday night, hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning for a 3-2 win over the Cardinals in Game 2 of the NLDS. Los Angeles' victory evened the best-of-five series at one game apiece.

Kemp was plagued by injuries in 2012 and 2013, but caught fire in the second half of 2014 with an NL-leading 17 home runs after the All-Star break. He homered down the left-field line off Pat Neshek in the eighth inning Saturday, breaking a 2-2 tie. The game-winner punctuated a 2-for-4 night for Kemp, who is 5-for-9 (.556) so far in the Division Series.

More importantly, the home run breathed life into a dead Dodger Stadium after Matt Carpenter hit a two-run shot in the top of the inning against reliever J.P. Howell to tie the score. That wiped out seven brilliant scoreless innings from Zack Greinke, who struck out seven and allowed only two hits while picking up two hits of his own at the plate. Greinke even scored one of the two runs in the third inning that gave the Dodgers their early lead. A.J. Ellis doubled to start that third-inning rally, and is 5-for-8 (.625) in the series.

Now tied, these two teams head back to St. Louis. Game 3 is Monday night, with Hyun-jin Ryu starting for the Dodgers against John Lackey for the Cardinals.