Clutch Kershaw, Sasaki Propel Dodgers Toward NL West Title

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of locking up another National League West crown after a wild extra-innings showdown with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In a game packed with drama and some truly odd pitching moves, the Dodgers squeezed out a 5–4 win in 11 innings.

Now, they’re just one win—or one Diamondbacks loss—away from clinching the division. Tommy Edman came through with the big hit in the 11th, while Manager Dave Roberts got creative with his bullpen, calling on Clayton Kershaw and Roki Sasaki for a night Dodger fans probably won’t forget anytime soon.

Dramatic Extra-Innings Win Keeps Dodgers Rolling

This wasn’t your average September game. Playoff stakes were everywhere, and honestly, it felt more like October baseball.

The Dodgers jumped ahead, lost their lead, then clawed back in extra innings. Tommy Edman was everywhere, going 3-for-5 and—most importantly—driving in the go-ahead run in the 11th with an RBI single.

Edman’s steady approach at the plate gave the offense a boost against a tough Arizona staff. He just kept finding ways to get on base and make things happen.

• Three hits, including the game-winner in the 11th
• Steady situational hitting all night
• Kept the lineup moving when things got tense

Roberts’ Bold Bullpen Choices Pay Off

The bats got the headlines, but Dave Roberts deserves a lot of credit for shaking up the pitching plan. With the game on the line, he called on two starters—Clayton Kershaw and Roki Sasaki—to pitch in relief, which isn’t something you see every day.

Kershaw Returns to the Bullpen

Kershaw came out of the bullpen for the first time since 2019. He needed just 15 pitches to get through the ninth and keep the Dodgers alive.

After the game, Kershaw said he treated it like a bullpen session, but you could tell he loved the rush. He looked comfortable and didn’t miss a beat.

• First time in relief in four years
• Quick, clean 15-pitch inning
• Brought steady leadership when it mattered

Sasaki’s Electric Return

Roki Sasaki made his first appearance in over four months after dealing with a shoulder impingement. Not only that, it was his first time ever coming out of the bullpen.

The 22-year-old lit up the radar gun at 100 mph, struck out two, and threw eight strikes out of 13 pitches. The dugout was buzzing after his outing.

• First game back from injury
• Debut relief appearance
• Fastball hit 100 mph—hard not to get pumped up watching that

Playoff Atmosphere and Implications

Roberts praised Kershaw and Sasaki for stepping into new roles on a night that really did feel like the postseason. Their flexibility might just be the edge the Dodgers need when October rolls around.

With this win, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the NL West is down to one. One more win, or a Diamondbacks loss, and the division is theirs. Not a bad way to wrap up the season’s home stretch.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers look set as they head into the playoffs. Their blend of veteran steadiness and young talent really showed against Arizona.

Strategic flexibility didn’t hurt, either.

• They’re just one win away from clinching the NL West
• Roster depth has been invaluable down the stretch
• Confidence is soaring after some dramatic late-season victories

In baseball, momentum means everything. The Dodgers’ latest win might end up as a turning point.

Bold moves, clutch moments, and real resilience—those qualities have been front and center as Los Angeles edges closer to another division crown.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers inch closer to divisional title behind clutch relief from Kershaw and Sasaki