Dodgers Win NL West For 11th Time In 12 Years
A Los Angeles Dodgers legend once said, “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.” A quote from Vin Scully during the 1988 World Series that has lived in infamy is now applicable to the recent triumph of the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Dodgers won the National League West title for the 11th time in 12 years. This season proved this task to be no easy feat. Plagued with injuries all year and a pitching staff that has been stitched together and undone time and time again, Los Angeles was finally able to close the chapter on the tight divisional race.
Victory For the Dodgers
The Dodgers dugout was filled with celebration as they became champions of the West once again. In a hard-fought, come-from-behind win, their efforts were not overlooked as glee flooded the clubhouse. What the team had worked tirelessly to accomplish was finally theirs. After dropping the first game of the series to the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers lead in the division was rapidly dwindling. The weight of the pressure that had been on them all season long was getting heavier as San Diego was closing in.
Offensively, the game started slow for the Dodgers. Padres Starting Pitcher Joe Musgrove rendered the Dodgers scoreless going into the seventh inning as they were ahead 2-0. Finally, a two-run shot changed the narrative of the game. In one of his most visibly emotional at-bats, Will Smith had crushed a game-tying homerun that would spark a game-altering rally.
The seventh inning continued to show no mercy towards San Diego as Shohei Ohtani knocked in another run with a one-out double, giving the Dodgers the lead for the first time. With two runners now in scoring position, Mookie Betts stepped up to the plate. He cleared the bases with a single to right field. The momentous rally finally came to a close after the eighth inning following a monstrous two-run home run by Andy Pages that put the Dodgers ahead by five runs. The game ended by a score of 7-2 with the Dodgers on top.
Trials Faced By Los Angeles
From the beginning to the end, the Los Angeles Dodgers have shown great fight and determination. While being dealt cards of uncertainty, the team was able to prevail toward victory. The greatest battle faced came from a pitching staff that was less than satisfactory.
The Dodgers have immense talent on their pitching staff, the only problem is their inability to stay healthy. This season, the Dodgers have had greats, such as Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Brusdar Graterol, and many more, on and off the Injured List all year. Every starting pitcher on their opening day roster has succumbed to injury this season. With extreme hurdles like that, not many teams would be able to fight until the end in the same way Los Angeles has been able to.
Pitching Woes
With the healthy pitching staff they did have, most of their performances were atrocious. Except for Jack Flaherty, Landon Knack, and Yamamoto, once-great stars have struggled greatly. Buehler, though having redeemable starts in his last couple of outings, has had a nightmare season. Although optioned recently, Bobby Miller has been a sore spot for the Dodgers as he has failed to have many quality starts, contributing to many losses for the team.
While pitching was an Achilles heel for the Dodgers, injuries to everyday players were nothing short of challenging. Throughout the season, their superstars were falling victim to pain as they had to make their untimely visits to the IL. The depth of the Dodgers was put to the test as they had to combat these many challenges.
End Of the Regular Season
The regular season will come to a close for the Dodgers on Sunday, Sept. 29. They face the Colorado Rockies in a three-game set that begins tonight. With the NL West already in their grasp, they will have an opportunity to keep their momentum and finish strong as they head to the National League Division Series next Saturday.
The Dodgers have shown the great depth of their team all year. While many superstars are still out of contention due to injury, Los Angeles will continue to show their grit and determination as they keep their focus on winning the World Series next month.
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