Dodgers Clinch National League West Title

The Los Angeles Dodgers returned to familiar territory on September 13th. The Dodgers shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 to win the National League West. It was their ninth West crown in the last 10 years; the only time they didn’t win was last year, when they finished 2nd to the San Francisco Giants and had to settle for a Wild Card. L.A. got some revenge by beating the Giants in the Division Series before losing to the eventual World Series Champion Atlanta Braves in the League Championship Series.

It hasn’t been a real surprise that the Dodgers won the West again, but the margin is surprising. L.A. was 98-43 after the win over Arizona, which is the best record in the majors, good for a whopping 20 ½ game lead over 2nd place San Diego. The Padres (78-64) went all out to improve their club at all costs, and were expected to make a serious run at the title. Instead, they are fighting for a Wild Card and currently have the final one, with Milwaukee just two games behind them. Last year’s West champs, the Giants, are 30 ½ games out at 68-74 and are 10 games behind the last Wild Card. The Giants were an incredible 107-55 last season, and will struggle to finish above .500 this year.