The Dodgers are the champions of the National League West for the 10th time in 11 seasons. With a 6-2 victory over the Mariners, the Dodgers close the door in the NL West on the Giants and Diamondbacks.
Entering play on Saturday night, the scenario had the team primed to secure the division with a win over the Mariners or a Diamondbacks loss to the Cubs. Thankfully, the boys in blue did it the right way with the win.
Clayton Kershaw started the game and tossed four gutty scoreless innings and the bullpen held Seattle over the next 5 innings. The Dodgers took the 1-0 lead in the top of the 10th inning but gave that lead up in the bottom of the 10th because the extra innings ghost runner is still a rule that exists in Major League Baseball.
Moving to the 11th tied at 1-1, Max Muncy played the hero of the night, putting the Dodgers back ahead with a clutch RBI single to drive in his 100th RBI of the season, a career high. After an Amed Rosario walk, Chris Taylor gave the Dodgers insurance with a 2 run single to put the game away for LA. Kiké Hernandez added 2 more with a bloop single to right field.
Joe Kelly came on to record the final 3 outs (although it wasn’t pretty) and the party could begin.
The Dodgers held a subdued celebration on the field following their 89th win of the season.
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Dodgers for another dominant run through the West!