MLB: LA Dodgers 10, Chicago Cubs 3

CHICAGO, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Russell Martin's three-run double got Los Angeles going Thursday and the Dodgers stormed past the Chicago Cubs 10-3 to take a 2-0 lead in their playoff series.

With victories at Wrigley Field in the first two games of the best-of-five NL Division series, Los Angeles needs just one win at Dodger Stadium to reach the National League Championship Series for the first time in 20 years.

The Cubs, meanwhile, are one loss away from extending their World Series title drought to 101 seasons.

Chicago coughed up a five-run second inning, committing two errors in the process that made three of the Dodgers' runs in that frame unearned. Martin cleared the bases with his double off Carlos Zambrano to give Los Angeles a 5-0 lead.

Manny Ramirez hit his second homer in as many games in the fifth and contributed an RBI single as part of the Dodgers' two-run eighth.

Chicago committed four errors overall, leading to five unearned runs.

Chad Billingsley allowed a run on five hits while striking out seven over 6 2/3 innings to get the victory.

Game 3 is set for Saturday. If both Los Angeles and Philadelphia win Saturday, they would have four days off before meeting in the first game of the NLCS.

The Phillies beat the New York Mets 5-2 Thursday to go up 2-0 in their division series.