The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their season series against the San Diego Padres with a win, but the two clubs are tied for first place in the National League West standings.
The Dodgers went 9-4 against the Padres this year, giving them a potential tiebreaker should the teams finished tied at the end of the season. Despite that, the Dodgers still blew a nine-game lead from their high point in the season, and now find themselves in a difficult NL West battle because of it.
The Dodgers also had a chance to really build on their lead after sweeping the Padres at Dodger Stadium last week, but then went 2-2 against the Colorado Rockies and 1-2 at Petco Park.
“Nothing’s changed as far as takeaway,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of his view of the Padres. “It’s a really talented ballclub. It’s big as far as if there is a tiebreaker, that matters. But we’re done with those guys until whenever. Talented team, but I just like the way we responded today.
“We’ve got to turn the page and we’re playing a team that’s in the postseason race. They’re hungry, they’re excitable and we’ve got Hunter Greene tomorrow, who’s got a big arm so we’ve got to be ready to go.”
Winning nine of 13 games against the Padres is impressive, and it’s a major part of the reason the Dodgers are still in first place in the division. The two teams may very well meet again in October, but for now, Roberts is not looking ahead and instead wants to focus on what’s next on the schedule.
“Honestly, we did take care of business head-to-head, but for right now, I’m turning the page on the Padres and looking at the 31 games, or however many games we have left,” he said. “We’ll see how that plays out and the implications of that. I’m moving forward on that one.”
Dave Roberts watching NL West standings
There’s roughly one month left in the season, so each game has a heightened importance with the division up for grabs. The Dodgers need to play good baseball and focus on themselves, but Roberts still won’t be able to stop himself from scoreboard watching.
“A lot. I think that’s part of it,” Roberts replied when asked how much he’ll be keeping an eye on the Padres. “When you’re in a pennant race, that’s part of the fun. I can compartmentalize a little bit. Keep one eye on the scoreboard, but still focus on my job.”
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