Dodgers’ dominance persists
LOS ANGELES — Wrapping up an NL West title has become routine for the Dodgers, but in a year in which no one was sure three months ago if there would be a baseball season, manager Dave Roberts wanted his team to still savor themoment.
The Dodgers clinched the NL’s top postseason seed and eighth straight division titleTuesday night with a 7-2 victory over the A’s and the Padres’ 4-2 loss to the Angels. They’re the third team to win at least eight straight division titles, joining the Braves (14 straight from 1991-2005) and Yankees (nine straight from1998-2006).
“To fast forward a couple months and be crowned NL West champs is a credit to everyone. It should never be taken for granted,” Roberts said. “... I let it know that it has to be appreciated.”
The Dodgers, who entered Wednesday’s games with the best record in the majors at 39-16, were the first team to clinch a playoff berth on Sept. 16. They will open postseason play Sept. 30 by hosting every game in a best-of-three series against the No. 8 seed.
Instead of a wild celebration on themound after Jake McGee struck out Sean Murphy for the final out, players briskly walked out of the dugout to celebrate with teammates. Everyone grabbed a division clinching shirt and cap before heading to the mound for a group photo.
The clubhouse celebration was also muted. Champagne was still involved, but it was players toasting each other with a glass instead of being showered in it.