LOS ANGELES — Pablo Sandoval was in a good mood after Monday night’s game at Dodger Stadium. Not only did he contribute defensively to the Giants’ 3-2 win, but an injury he sustained was not as serious as he had figured.

Playing first base, Sandoval was spiked on his right hand by Max Muncy in the fifth inning. He exited the game, and the laceration required four stitches. X-rays were negative, and he was listed as day to day but isn’t expected to play Tuesday.

“I felt it was going to be worse. I thought it could be a break or dislocation,” Sandoval said. “I just try to make the plays to help the team however I can. I’ll sacrifice and do everything out there to make that play. It was worth it.”

The play was a difference-maker in the game. With two runners aboard and two outs, Muncy bounced a ball to the right of second base, and shortstop Brandon Crawford went a long way to glove it.

Crawford did a 360-degree turn in the outfield grass before throwing to first, where Sandoval made an impressive stretch up the first-base line for the out. After crossing the bag, Muncy stepped on Sandoval’s hand.

The play ended the inning and preserved a 2-1 lead. The Giants made it 3-1 in the sixth, and Dodgers scored in the eighth before the Giants closed it out.

John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer. Email: jshea@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnSheaHey