LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani’s single to right field was the deciding factor as the Dodgers clinched their 11th National League West title in 12 seasons. The run-scoring hit came in a pivotal inning with key contributions from Will Smith, Mookie Betts, and Andy Pages. Ohtani’s performance, with three hits in the game, was instrumental in securing the victory.
Walker Buehler had a solid outing on the mound, Anthony Banda earned the win in his return from the injured list, and Michael Kopech closed out the game to seal the NL West title for the Dodgers. However, the celebratory mood was dampened by Freddie Freeman’s ankle injury in the seventh inning.
The Dodgers secured the division by winning two out of three games against the Padres, who celebrated their own postseason berth earlier in the week. The sellout crowd at Dodger Stadium, including former star Manny Ramirez, witnessed the team clinch the division at home for the first time since 2018.
The win also secured the Dodgers a top-two seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming postseason. The team will open the playoffs on October 5 at home in a best-of-five NL Division Series.
The game turned in the decisive seventh inning when the Dodgers scored five runs, sparked by Max Muncy and highlighted by Smith’s home run and Betts’ double. Ohtani’s timely single ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in securing the NL West title.
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