After getting swept in a three-game series by a buzzsaw in the form of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers went into play on Aug. 24 trailing Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West standings by 4.5 games.
Not only that, but the Colorado Rockies were sandwiched between the teams, 3.5 games ahead of the third-place Dodgers. Dire as the situation began to appear, back-to-back series sweeps, amounting to a five-game winning streak for Los Angeles, propelled them up the standings.
And after consecutive comeback victories at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers head into Sunday’s series finale tied with the Diamondbacks at the top of the NL West standings.
Amid plenty of outside scrutiny and pressure this season, particularly in recent weeks, manager Dave Roberts nonetheless explained why he isn’t shocked by how quickly the Dodgers managed to catch the Diamondbacks, via SportsNet LA:
“Not surprised, very impressed. I think the noise outside and certain things that were being said, but our guys didn’t waver. Each day, to their credit, they focused one each game and not worried about the other clubs and how they’ve played. … We’re playing much better baseball, and right now we find ourselves back at the top of the division and we’re going to keep moving forward.”
While one of the teams will take sole possession of first place on Sunday, there still would be plenty of opportunities for change in the NL West. The Dodgers have six games remaining with the Rockies, and a three-game set at Chase Field from Sept. 24-26.
And even if Arizona earns a series split at Dodger Stadium, Roberts and the Dodgers have gained ground much sooner than most would have predicted.