The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again shown why they’re one of baseball’s most dominant franchises. With an emphatic 8-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers clinched their 12th National League West title in the past 13 seasons.
The victory felt like part celebration, part farewell tour for Clayton Kershaw. The legendary left-hander announced he’ll retire at the end of the postseason.
Big performances from Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani fueled the win. Los Angeles displayed the balance, consistency, and resiliency that’s kept them at the top for over a decade.
A Historic Run of Dominance
Over the past 13 years, the Dodgers have basically turned the NL West into their own playground. Winning 90 games for the 12th consecutive full season just underscores how steady they’ve been.
This run has included multiple MVPs, Cy Young winners, and a steady stream of postseason appearances under manager Dave Roberts.
The Clayton Kershaw Legacy
Few players in modern baseball can match Clayton Kershaw’s resume. He’s an 11-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner.
Kershaw’s career has been defined by elite performance and leadership in the clubhouse. Since debuting in 2008, he’s been at the heart of 14 division titles.
He said he’ll miss the camaraderie of team celebrations most—a reminder of the human side of all this success.
A Different Kind of Celebration
The Dodgers’ clinching celebrations have ranged from wild to pretty understated over the years. Back in 2013, players jumped into the Chase Field pool in Arizona, making headlines.
This time, the champagne mostly stayed in the clubhouse—except for a splash from Shohei Ohtani. His 54th home run landed in the water, a signature moment that entertained fans and showed off Ohtani’s superstar skills.
Freddie Freeman Finds His Power Stroke
Freddie Freeman was the offensive catalyst, blasting two home runs to power the Dodgers past the Diamondbacks. He’s said the team is finding its rhythm at the right time, and his bat is driving that surge.
The timing couldn’t be better as Los Angeles heads into October. Big hits and momentum decide so much this time of year, don’t they?
Entering the Postseason in a New Format
For the first time since Major League Baseball introduced the new playoff format in 2022, the Dodgers will start their postseason in the wild-card round. That adds a layer of urgency, with no room for early missteps and a slim margin for error.
Veteran leadership and a deep roster give them a shot, though. The Dodgers know what it takes to survive October.
Mookie Betts Ready to Make an Impact
Mookie Betts admitted his first half of the season was quieter than he wanted. Now, he’s refreshed and determined to contribute in meaningful ways during the playoff push.
His versatility and knack for clutch moments make him a huge piece of Los Angeles’ October ambitions.
Dave Roberts Keeps the Standard High
Manager Dave Roberts has now reached the postseason in each of his 10 seasons at the helm. He’s stacked up nine division titles along the way.
Even after last year’s World Series win, Roberts reminded his team that past accomplishments don’t guarantee future success. The focus is on the present—playing the best baseball possible and trusting each other to bring another championship home to Los Angeles.
Keys to Another Championship Run
Roberts knows the team has faced plenty of adversity this season. Still, he thinks they’ve come out tougher because of it.
The Dodgers’ playoff recipe comes down to a few things:
- Veteran leadership from stars like Kershaw, Freeman, and Betts.
- Elite pitching depth and bullpen reliability.
- Consistent offensive production from the heart of the lineup.
- Maintaining team chemistry through the grind of October.
With the postseason right around the corner, the Dodgers are sticking to what’s worked for them for years—talent, resilience, and sky-high expectations. Will this October end with another parade? Who knows. But Los Angeles heads into the playoffs with firepower, confidence, and that extra drive to make Kershaw’s farewell season one to remember.
Here is the source article for this story: Ohtani blasts 54th HR as Dodgers clinch NL West
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