The 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) has reignited a fierce rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. This year's series adds yet another chapter to a storied history of confrontations, with the Padres now holding a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers. The stakes could not be higher, as the Padres have the opportunity to eliminate the Dodgers for the second time in just three seasons.
The backdrop to this year's intense competition is the Dodgers' long-standing dominance in the NL West. The team has captured the division title in 11 of the last 12 years, showcasing a level of consistency that few teams can match. Despite this dominance, the Padres, a team which had a forgettable losing season in 2019 with a 70-92 record, have emerged as a formidable opponent capable of challenging the Dodgers' supremacy.
In recent seasons, the Padres have transformed into a powerhouse in baseball, particularly noted for their incredible performance during the second half of the current season. The team's revival is partly attributed to Manny Machado, who signed with the Padres in 2019 after a brief stint with the Dodgers in 2018. Machado has become a linchpin for the Padres, providing both leadership and skill on the field.
Historically, the Padres have shown they can rise to the occasion against the Dodgers. They swept the Dodgers in the 2020 NLDS, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated their potential to break through the barriers set by the Dodgers' persistent success. Max Muncy of the Dodgers reflected on the emotional atmosphere that characterizes these matchups, noting, "The atmosphere here plays off their emotion. And we've seen that for the last several years, even in regular season games."
For the Padres, this rivalry offers a chance to define their identity within the league. Under the leadership of manager Mike Shildt, the team has sculpted a persona that thrives on the competitive edge that confrontations with the Dodgers provide. Shildt addressed the rivalry dynamics candidly, stating, "I don't want to cast stones. I'm just not. The answer to your question is no. I don't think there was any intent at all with that," indicating his intent to downplay any perceived animosity.
Conversely, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has openly acknowledged the charged atmosphere, particularly when discussing Manny Machado's approach. "It was unsettling. Obviously, I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it," he remarked, alluding to the strongly competitive spirit Machado brings to these encounters.
Regular season games between these rivals have only further fueled the tensions, with the Padres taking eight out of thirteen games against the Dodgers this year. This level of competition has become typical of their recent encounters, with past NLDS series like the 2022 matchup—won by the Padres after losing the first game—setting the tone for their ongoing struggle.
Muncy further elaborated on the tactical side of their rivalry, "That is kind of part of their game is trying to get under your skin and trying to have the emotion come out and get you to do something that you're not normally doing." His commentary underscores the strategic psychological play that marks games between these teams. For the Dodgers, known for their remarkable 111-win season in 2022, this rivalry presents not just a physical challenge but a mental one.
Roberts summed up the Padres' approach aptly: "Clearly that team over there, they like the villain-type kind of role and they feed off of that." It's a characterization that reflects perhaps not just the Padres' style, but their role as a challenger against a dynasty like the Dodgers. As the series continues, fans eagerly anticipate how this narrative will evolve and which team will ultimately come out on top in this electrifying face-off.