MLB: Washington 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 4

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Justin Maxwell scored from third on a fielding error by right fielder Andre Ethier Wednesday, giving Washington a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers tied the score with an unearned run in the top of the ninth, but then saw the game get away in the bottom half of the inning.

Maxwell singled to open the ninth off James McDonald (5-5) and advanced to second on a sacrifice. Maxwell stole third and then scored when Ethier could not make the catch on a fly ball by Pete Orr.

Even if Ethier had caught the ball, Maxwell would almost certainly have tagged up and scored after the catch and Orr was credited with a sacrifice fly.

The Dodgers, who began the night needing only two victories to clinch a playoff spot, let an early 3-0 lead disappear when Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run homer in the sixth. It was his 31st home run of the season.

Saul Rivera (1-3) got the final two outs of the ninth and earned the victory when the Nationals produced their run in the bottom half of the inning.