The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the Nationwide League West division crown on Thursday night time with their 7-2 win over the rival San Diego Padres. Coming into their collection with San Diego, Los Angeles was solely up three video games, making it probably the most essential collection of the season.
After dropping the opener to the Padres, some concern began to creep in in regards to the Dodgers dropping the division to their rivals. However the group battled again to seize the ultimate two video games of the collection and finally clinch their eleventh division title within the final 12 seasons.
It was a complete group effort however the Dodgers had been led by celebrity Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has been every little thing that the Dodgers might have requested for and extra this season, offering them with an additional spark all year long.
He has been on a tear of late as he will get prepared for his first-ever postseason look. However over the ultimate three video games of the common season, Ohtani has an opportunity to do one thing really particular as properly.
Presently, he’s the chief within the NL in dwelling runs and runs batted in. However he sits third in batting common. If Ohtani can leap as much as the primary spot, he would win the Triple Crown.
Whereas it’s unlikely with such a brief window of alternative, doubting Ohtani has by no means been a good suggestion. He at present holds a batting common of .305 getting into Friday, sitting proper behind Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves, who holds a median of .310.
Each gamers path Luiz Arraez of the Padres, who has a batting common of .312 getting into the ultimate weekend. Arraez has been a batting champion in every of the final two seasons so it will doubtless take a mini droop for him to lose the highest spot.
Nonetheless, that is nonetheless one thing to control because the Dodgers head into the ultimate weekend towards the Colorado Rockies. Enjoying in Coors Area might assist increase the possibilities of Ohtani because it has been recognized for unusual occurrences, particularly with hitters.
If Ohtani is ready to safe the Triple Crown, it will cap off one of many biggest seasons in Dodgers historical past. However whereas private achievements are necessary to Ohtani, he’s targeted on one factor solely, profitable the World Collection.
Photograph Credit score: Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos
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