Dodgers Clinch 11th Division Title in 12 Years, Secure Playoff Bye
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their 11th division title in 12 seasons, securing a first-round bye in the postseason with a thrilling 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday. This clinching win marks the return of fans to Dodger Stadium for a home clincher, as the last time they witnessed such an event was in 2018. The pandemic-shortened 2020 season saw a different scenario, with cardboard cutouts replacing the cheering crowd.
A sellout crowd of 52,433, including retired Dodgers star Manny Ramirez, packed Dodger Stadium for the finale of the crucial series between the top two teams in the division. The Dodgers, now boasting a record of 95-64, will open the playoffs at home on October 5th in a best-of-five Division Series.
The Padres, holding a 2-0 lead after six innings thanks to Joe Musgrove’s strong pitching, were met with a fierce comeback from the Dodgers. Will Smith ignited the rally in the seventh inning with a two-run homer, tying the game at 2-2. This was the Dodgers’ first home run of the three-game series.
Further momentum was added by pinch-hitter Enrique Hernandez’s single and Andy Pages reaching on catcher’s interference. Shohei Ohtani’s subsequent single and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s throwing error allowed Hernández to score and Ohtani to reach second base. Mookie Betts then delivered an RBI single, pushing the score to 5-2.
Pages added a two-run, two-strike, two-out homer in the eighth inning. The Dodgers’ victory, however, was shadowed by an apparent injury to All-Star slugger Freddie Freeman. During the seventh inning, he collided awkwardly with Luis Arraez and the first base bag trying to avoid being tagged, resulting in a lower right leg injury. Freeman was forced to leave the game, leaving fans and teammates concerned.
Despite the potential injury, the Dodgers’ triumph is undeniable. They head to Colorado for a three-game set to conclude the regular season, carrying the momentum of their division title and their home playoff advantage. As the playoffs approach, the focus shifts to Freeman’s health and the team’s preparation for the upcoming postseason battles.