DODGERS CLINCH 2024 NL WEST CROWN FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW
Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
ABSURD 5-RUN 7TH INNINGS IS THE FINISHING STAMP ON YET ANOTHER REMARKABLE SEASON FOR THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS
A comeback win for the Dodgers was a beautiful way to end off the season, especially against a Padres team that has dominated the Dodgers all year. Both baseball clubs had their starters come out and command the plate. Jack Beuhler would be outlasted by Musgrove, as Walker ended with the statline of 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, and 1BB. Musgrove would follow, leaving the game in the sixth inning after shutting out the Dodgers through four clean innings.
An early trip to the bullpen resulted in the following two runs by the Dodgers in the bottom of the eight. Game would end at a scoreline of 7-2, and the Dodgers clinched the NL West for the third time in a row.
Much can be analyzed from this game, but what is important is the confidence level the Dodgers have if they would have to take the faithful Padres in a divisional series. Dodger fans are still in shock from the divisional series loss against the padres back in 2022, and are looking to make up for it just two years later.
The clinch guarantees a playoff bye week, and for the Dodgers injured list it could not have come at a better time. With Kershaw, Rojas, Freeman, and Graterol as the main starters on the IL, the Dodgers are hoping that 9 days of rest can result in their healthy return.
Expectations are high, and have been since their first series in Korea, with the signing of Shohei Ohtani. A Japanese superstar who created his own exceptional 50/50 category, will now have all eyes on him as he will soon be taking his first playoff at-bat. All the pressure is on for the Dodgers, but luckily for the boys in blue the divisional round is over a week away. Players will return and hitters will want to be hot as they look to make it all the way to the Fall Classic.
