Dodgers Clinch NL West: Shohei Ohtani’s First Playoff Run with World Series Expectations
The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again asserted their dominance in the National League West, clinching the division title for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons. With a commanding 7-2 victory over the Padres at Dodger Stadium, the team secured their spot in the playoffs and earned a bye past the Wild Card Series, thanks to a better record than the Milwaukee Brewers. This remarkable feat is a testament to the Dodgers’ consistent regular-season excellence, a trend that has defined their performance over the years.
Despite facing some challenges throughout the season, including surges from both the Diamondbacks and Padres, the Dodgers managed to maintain their lead and secure the division title. Building a nine-game lead in late June and holding on to a 7 1/2 game lead in late July, the team faced some pressure as their rivals closed in. However, the Dodgers responded with resilience and determination, ultimately clinching the division with back-to-back wins to close out the regular season.
The 2024 season marks the first full season since 2018 that the Dodgers did not reach the 100-win mark, reflecting the adversity they faced, particularly in their rotation. With injuries impacting their pitching staff, the team relied on organizational depth and a high-powered offense to carry them through the season. Shohei Ohtani, who is poised to win the NL MVP this season after a historic 50-50 year, has been instrumental in the team’s success. Teoscar Hernández, another offseason acquisition, has also made significant contributions, along with standouts like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
As the Dodgers set their sights on the playoffs, the pressure is on for the team to make a deep postseason run. While they have had success in recent years, winning the World Series in 2020, their playoff performance in the last two seasons has been less than stellar. With a 1-6 record in playoff games, there is a sense of urgency for the team to deliver when it matters most. Anything less than a deep playoff run, including at least reaching the NLCS and potentially making it to the World Series, would be considered a disappointment for a franchise that has set such high standards for itself.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers find themselves in familiar territory as they once again emerge as the top team in the NL West. With playoff expectations looming large, the team is focused on translating their regular-season success into postseason glory. As they embark on Shohei Ohtani’s first playoff run with World Series aspirations, the Dodgers are determined to prove that they are worthy contenders for baseball’s ultimate prize.
