ATLANTA — Melky Cabrera's two-run single off Octavio Dotel with the bases loaded in the ninth inning capped a three-run rally that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night.

Dotel took over for Hong-Chih Kuo (3-2), who failed to protect a 3-1 lead. Kuo gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases.

Dotel walked pinch-hitter David Ross to force in a run. Cabrera then lined the game-winning single past shortstop Jamey Carroll. Scott Podsednik charged the ball in left field but it skipped past his glove, ending any chance for a potential play at the plate.

The first-place Braves moved 2½ games ahead of Philadelphia in the NL East.