SAN FRANCISCO — Alejandro De Aza pushed the prospect of elimination back another day.
Marlon Byrd singled to lead off the 12th and Kelby Tomlinson sliced a single that was far enough toward the line that Byrd could take third. The Dodgers brought in an extra infielder and Trevor Brown bounced out to third. After a pitching change, De Aza poked a fly deep enough to left that Byrd could easily race home and give the Giants a 3-2 win over the Dodgers.
The Giants are now five back with six to play.
The hill facing the Giants is a massive one, and even the first step was daunting.