Shut out on two hits for seven innings by Pedro Martinez, the Dodgers came back against Philadelphia's bullpen. They cobbled it together with second baseman Chase Utley's throwing error, a bunt, a single by pinch-hitter Jim Thome and two walks.
The Phillies wound up using five relievers in the eighth — Brad Lidge didn't get into the game.
Game 3 in the best-of-seven series is Sunday in Philadelphia.
Hong-Chih Kuo got the victory in relief. Jonathan Broxton pitched the ninth to earn the save.
The Dodgers were down 1-0 when Casey Blake opened the eighth with a single off the outstretched glove of third baseman Pedro Feliz. Ronnie Belliard's bunt single got past losing pitcher Chan Ho Park and first baseman Ryan Howard.
Russell Martin followed with a grounder to Feliz, who made a good throw to Utley. But for the second straight game, Utley threw away the relay. This time, it allowed pinch-runner Juan Pierre to score the tying run from second.
After Thome singled off Scott Eyre, Rafael Furcal drew a walk from Ryan Madson that loaded the bases. Happ struck out Matt Kemp, but the rookie walked Ethier on a full count.
For the second time in this year's playoffs, a visiting team let a late lead slip away at Dodger Stadium. Last week, St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday's two-out error in the ninth doomed the Cardinals.
Howard's homer off Vicente Padilla accounted for the only run until the eighth.