Success has consistently come hand-in-hand with Clayton Kershaw in Los Angeles, as the Dodgers have stamped their tickets to the postseason in 15 out of the last 18 years, which includes an ongoing streak of 13 consecutive years. On the cusp of securing what could be a 14th divisional championship during Kershaw’s remarkable career, the Dodgers have a magic number of three. Comparatively, in the 19-year span between the 1988 World Series and the inception of Kershaw’s career, the Dodgers qualified for the playoffs on four occasions, secured two divisional titles, and managed a single playoff game victory. Thus, it felt apt that Kershaw’s final regular season game at Dodger Stadium saw the Dodgers ensure their participation in the 2025 playoff season.
Prior to the arrival of the current management in Los Angeles, Kershaw was already an integral component of the team, setting the level of performance that the team has subsequently been structured around. Now, during his final season, Kershaw has maintained his effectiveness — recording a 3.55 ERA in 21 starts, but more significantly, ensuring his health. The team’s formidable rotation that was crafted around Kershaw is now so robust that he is increasingly seen as an added bonus.
“This day has been emotionally draining. The sense of accomplishment is incredible, as we secured a win, guaranteed our playoff place, and I had the chance to stand on that mound for one final bout,” Kershaw expressed on Friday night. “My feelings of gratitude are overflowing.
Last week, Shohei Ohtani was downright lethal with his extra bases, scoring four homers and three doubles. These achievements put Ohtani at a seasonal tally of 53 home runs — only one short of his personal team record. With a week to go in the season, Ohtani has posted 141 runs, making it only the 14th season in the MLB’s integrated era to have 140 or more runs. Ohtani now stands just seven runs away from the Dodgers record held by Hub Collins since 1890.
In an ordinary week, Blake Snell, following his stellar performance against the Phillies with 12 strikeouts over seven innings without conceding a run, would have been the clear standout player. During those innings, he even convinced Dave Roberts to allow him to finish the game.
However, Emmet Sheehan earns the honor this week purely based on his commanding performance over two starts with a total of 17 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings, and conceding only two hits and a single run. To put it another way, Sheehan not only matched Snell’s output but added another 5 2/3 innings, one walk, one run, two hit batsmen, and five additional strikeouts. Sheehan’s performances, along with Snell’s, contributed to the rotation’s impressive 1.60 ERA during the week. A special mention to Ohtani for his contribution of five scoreless, hitless innings on Tuesday.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Dodgers will navigate the ‘Tuffy Gosewisch gauntlet’ on the road in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks, followed by the Mariners in Seattle. It’s plausible that the Dodgers’ three starters in Arizona might follow the same rotation at Dodger Stadium the next week. Only time will tell how Tyler Glasnow fits into the scheme of things.
The post Dodgers Edge Closer to Divisional Championship, Fueled by Kershaw appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
