Loney delivers on the double

The Dodgers’ trade rumor du jour: Adam Dunn on Monday, after Jermaine Dye on Sunday.

The apparent inference: The Dodgers want to add a big bat as soon as possible, and not necessarily at third base.

The disclaimer: One bat, no matter how big, can’t carry the Dodgers into October.

That’s what made the Dodgers’ 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Monday so enjoyable for them. Only one game, to be sure, but several flashes of hope, as the Dodgers closed to within one game of first place in the National League West.

James Loney, substituting for Nomar Garciaparra for the second consecutive night, doubled home the game-winning run in the sixth inning. Juan Pierre, who can’t use his speed if he can’t get on base, drew two walks for the first time this season, stealing a base and tagging from first base on a fly ball to center field.

And Luis Gonzalez, carrying a big bat himself lately, doubled twice and scored twice. After delivering seven extra-base hits in May, he has seven in the last four games.

Deal or no deal? Either way, the Dodgers need him to thrive, and others too. A trade will not bring a savior.

“Sometimes it helps,” Gonzalez said. “Sometimes the best deals are the ones that are never made. It can work either way.”

Randy Wolf (8-4) tied Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies for the league lead in victories. Wolf gave up three runs over six innings, with Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton and Takashi Saito retiring the last nine Mets in order, striking out five.

“Storybook kind of innings,” Manager Grady Little said.

The Dodger Stadium crowd was delighted with the victory -- well, most of it. The video board showed Jerry Seinfeld enjoying the game, wearing a Mets cap. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but he was booed. The video board also showed Hilary Swank in attendance, also wearing a Mets cap. She was booed too.

Pierre was cheered, in the stands but more important in the manager’s office. Little dropped Pierre in the lineup over the weekend and reminded him of the need to take pitches and hit the ball on the ground.

After Little returned him to the No. 2 spot Monday, Pierre reached base three times, on the two walks and an infield single.

“That’s his business, and that’s what he’s got to make his business,” Little said. “He creates havoc out there.”

After starter Orlando Hernandez no-hit the Dodgers through three innings, Pierre walked to start the fourth, triggering a three-run rally. He had not drawn a walk since May 23.

Pierre stole second base, and Russell Martin singled him home. Then Martin stole second -- with the lovely flourish of a headfirst slide -- and Gonzalez doubled him home.

Andre Ethier capped the rally with a single that drove in Gonzalez and tied the score, 3-3.

Gonzalez struck again in the sixth inning, with a leadoff double, and Loney doubled him home. Later in the inning, Wilson Betemit came off the bench to deliver a run-scoring single. In 15 at-bats as a pinch-hitter this season, Betemit has driven in eight runs.

With the two doubles, Gonzalez passed Hall of Fame member and Dodgers hitting coach Eddie Murray for 19th place on the all-time list, at 561.

“To reach that accomplishment and have him there to shake my hand,” Gonzalez said, “that’s pretty cool.”

bill.shaikin@latimes.com