The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again proven their dominance in the National League West. With a commanding 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night, the team secured its position as division champions. This marks the 11th time in the past 12 seasons that the Dodgers have clinched the division title, a testament to their consistent excellence over the years.
Despite fluctuating lead margins throughout the season, the Dodgers ultimately managed to stay on top. By late June, they had built a nine-game lead in the standings. However, by late July, this lead had dwindled to 7 1/2 games and shrank further to just three games by late August. As September began, they still maintained a six-game advantage. The Padres made a final push, reducing the Dodgers' lead to two games following a victory on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, but the Dodgers responded with back-to-back wins to close out the division.
One key strategic advantage for the Dodgers is that they will bypass the Wild Card Series due to their superior record compared to the Milwaukee Brewers. This earned rest period could prove crucial for a team that has seen significant challenges in recent years.
The 2024 season marks the first full season since 2018 where the Dodgers will not achieve a 100-win record, a notable deviation from their usual high standards. This year’s pitching rotation has faced particular challenges, with only two pitchers making more than 20 starts and none exceeding 25 starts.
Nevertheless, individual performances have sparkled, with stars like Shohei Ohtani poised to win the National League MVP for what has been hailed as an unprecedented 50-50 year. Similarly, Teoscar Hernández had a stellar offensive season, while the star duo of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman have provided crucial contributions to the team's success.
However, recent postseason performance has been a point of concern. In the last two seasons, the Dodgers have gone 1-6 in playoff games. Yet, memories of their World Series win in 2020 still linger, reminding fans and players alike of the heights this team is capable of reaching.
As the Dodgers prepare for the challenges ahead, there's a palpable sense of anticipation. With their eyes set firmly on the postseason, fans can only hope that 2024 brings a return to the same form that crowned them champions just four years ago.