Dodgers creep closer to playoffs with big, late rally

Coming from behind late as they've rarely done this year, the Dodgers produced a five-run seventh inning and pulled away from the last-place Cubs on Thursday night for an 8-4 victory at Wrigley Field. With nine to play, they lead the idle Giants in the National League West by 2 1/2 games. The magic number to clinch a playoff spot is two -- and it is eight to win the division.