Green delivers HR before sitting out

Shawn Green can sit out today knowing he was a huge help to the Dodgers during their crucial series at San Francisco.

Green hit a two-run homer in Los Angeles’ 3-2 victory over the Giants Friday, a day before the first baseman will miss a game to observe the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur.

Barry Bonds hit his 702nd home run, but San Francisco couldn’t muster much else against Odalis Perez. Eric Gagne issued three consecutive two-out walks in the ninth inning before retiring Yorvit Torrealba on a bases-loaded flyout to preserve a tense victory.

The Dodgers increased their lead in the National League West to 2 1/2 games with another narrow win over the Giants, who also fell 1 1/2 games behind Chicago in the wild-card race after the Cubs beat the New York Mets 2-1 in 10 innings.

The Dodgers and Giants play five more times, including the final three games of the season next weekend at Dodger Stadium.

Six of their eight meetings in San Francisco this year have been decided by one run, and nine overall in the season series, led 8-6 by the Dodgers.

Pirates retain McClendon, make offer to staff

The Pittsburgh Pirates retained manager Lloyd McClendon and made offers to retain all of his staff.

McClendon signed a contract extension through the 2005 season in April, with a club option for 2006. If the coaches accept the team’s offers, it will mark the second consecutive year that no staff changes will be made.

Fassero released by Rockies

The Colorado Rockies released left-hander Jeff Fassero after he and manager Clint Hurdle disagreed about his ability to start against St. Louis this weekend.

Fassero was scheduled to start Sunday, and it would’ve been his first appearance since Sept. 13. When he found out he was starting, Fassero said he needed to get some work in relief before he made the start.