The Dodgers finally did it. It wasn’t easy and the club has had to navigate through so many difficulties this season, but after defeating the Dbacks 8-0 on Thursday afternoon in Arizona, the Dodgers clinched the National League West division title for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons. In the game, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (who finished the season with 201 strikeouts and a 2.49 ERA) tossed six shutout innings, allowing just four hits, two walks and striking out seven. It was fitting that he started the clincher, since he has been their best and most consistent starting pitcher all season long. The bats scored eight runs on eleven hits. Freddie Freemen hit two home runs, and Shohei Ohtani, and Andy Pages added blasts of their own. Ohtani’s homer is his 54th of the season, tying his mark from last year. Even the much maligned bullpen tossed three scoreless frames. Tanner Scott, Will Klein, and Anthony Banda combined for five punchouts and no walks. The Dodgers celebrated in the clubhouse with the bubbly. Dave Roberts made his annual speech.
They’ve had to overcome a lot. The Dodgers have dealt with crippling injuries to thier pitching staff. At one point they had an entire roster worth of pitchers on the injured list. They’ve had slumps, questionable management decisions, losing streaks, and many many blown leads. The bullpen has blown so many games, they’ve left behind a trail of tears into the dugout. They are also dealing with the emotional aspect of the retirement of Clayton Kershaw. The future Cooperstown recipient announced his retirement from baseball as a player last week, and said goodbye during his final regular season start at Dodger Stadium last Friday night. Despite all of that, the Dodgers are NL west champs, heading into the postseason ready to defend their World Series championship, and looking to become the first MLB team in 25 years to win back to back rings. The win also gives them 90 for the season.
Shohei to the pool! pic.twitter.com/Iy1gAocCnn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 25, 2025
A shutout to secure the NL West Division title! pic.twitter.com/Uq63CzIsGK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 25, 2025
This year they head into the postseason differently. The Division win gives them the number three seed in the National League, but the Phillies and Brewers have already clinched first round byes. That means the Dodgers will have to play in the Wild Card round, and win 13 games instead of 11. Game 1 of the NL Wild Card series at Dodger Stadium is September 30. This also means that their final three regular season games this weekend in Seattle are meaningless. So, I implore the Dodgers to rest everyone, and don’t take any risks. The Dodgers can experment while they are up in Seattle for the final series. I know they love to do this. The NL West is won, so go crazy! Bat Michael Conforto lead-off! Bring Tanner Scott in for a 6-out save. DH Ben Rortvedt, and let Kike pitch a few innings. it doesn’t matter. The Dodgers clinched the NL West yet again. It never gets old.
THE WEST IS OURS. pic.twitter.com/XJ1TxN8T5z
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 25, 2025
