After winning 104 games, their most since relocating from Brooklyn, expectations were high for the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the postseason. They’ve met them to this point, punctuated with a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series.
Following two weekend games at Dodger Stadium, the NLDS shifted to Chase Field on Monday night. Although the Diamondbacks were facing elimination, there was confidence found in returning home and sending ace Zack Greinke to the mound.
However, he was outdueled by Yu Darvish, who allowed just one run and two hits through five-plus innings. Meanwhile, the Dodgers offense forced Greinke to labor, which raised his pitch count early.
Cody Bellinger and Austin Barnes each delivered a solo home run, and the Los Angeles bullpen backed Darvish’s effort with four shutout innings to secure a 3-1 victory.
With the win, the Dodgers advanced to the NL Championship Series for the second consecutive year and fifth time in a decade. They will face either the Chicago Cubs in a rematch of the 2016 NLCS, or their 2016 NLDS opponent, Washington Nationals.
Just like they did upon clinching a fifth consecutive NL West title, a celebration ensued after Kenley Jansen recorded the final out at Chase Field. It included Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Clayton Kershaw addressing the team, and of course, some dancing from Yasiel Puig.
Step two. #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/W9npbUXL8s
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2017
🍾🍾 #ThisTeam! pic.twitter.com/IuUmJVFHCJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2017
"Two more to go." #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/JIzOHyW2FD
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2017
"See you next week." #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/rZIuSmawD2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2017
Watch the @Dodgers celebrate their #NLDS sweep on #ClinchCam! pic.twitter.com/s6vHuRHh5V
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 10, 2017
Do you think @YasielPuig likes to dance? 🕺 #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/Z6JeKYPss9
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2017
Brace yourself, here comes @YasielPuig and @kenleyjansen74! #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/1b7GdRJdSu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2017
While players reveled in their accomplishment, the celebration was largely subdued when compared to others. To a man, the clubhouse and members of the front office have stressed the greater goal — winning the organization’s first World Series since 1988.
Their quest will continue on Saturday at Dodger Stadium with Game 1 of the NLCS. Start times for the series have not yet been announced. Though, it can be presumed first pitch throughout the NLCS will come during primetime.
