Joey Gallo, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy provided run support for Clayton Kershaw as the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West with a 4-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The division title is the Dodgers’ ninth in the past 10 seasons, and the 2022 team is the fastest in Los Angeles franchise history to clinch.
Gallo provided Kershaw with an early lead by breaking up the scoreless tie in the second inning on a two-run homer that cleared the high fence in center field and landed onto the concourse. His majestic drive was matched by Freeman clearing the Chase Field pool for a solo shot in the third inning.
Muncy capped off the Dodgers’ scoring with a solo home run of his own in the seventh. Muncy became the fifth Dodgers player with at least 20 homers this season, which is most among all teams.
As the Dodgers were taking their lead and adding onto it, Kershaw was turning in a vintage performance. He got through seven innings with just one hit and one walk in his fourth time winning a division-clinching game for the Dodgers.
How you doin', Joey? pic.twitter.com/l3piFqN3C5
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 14, 2022
A majestic shot from Freddie. pic.twitter.com/jZMP86ttYK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 14, 2022
Stay hot, Max! pic.twitter.com/u1zI4Tapg2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 14, 2022
Okay, now you're just showing off @mookiebetts 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tFpVdAU1mF
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 14, 2022
Kershaw didn’t allow a hit until Geraldo Perdomo’s single with one out in the third inning, and it was followed by retiring 13 batters in a row. That stretch included Mookie Betts making a sliding catch in right field for the first out of the seventh inning.
Dodgers magic number for No. 1 seed
With the NL West wrapped up, next for the Dodgers is maintaining the top seed in the league and best record in baseball. The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NL over the New York Mets is 11.
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