The Los Angeles Dodgers capitalized on matchups against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies over the past two months, and as a result took control of first place in the National League West.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently deemed his club’s improved stretch of play as validation to remaining optimistic during times the team struggled. The Dodgers are closing in on a sixth consecutive NL West title but it’s hardly a forgone conclusion.
Their magic number is at five entering play Tuesday, and should they receive considerable help from the Philadelphia Phillies over the next three days, could clinch the division before a weekend series at AT&T Park.
While the Dodgers rallied to complete a comeback victory Monday, they didn’t receive any assistance as the Rockies kept pace with a win of their own. Colorado sits just 1.5 games back of first place in the NL West.
Considering the Dodgers fully control their own destiny, Roberts said his club must not look to outside the clubhouse in their final push toward another NL West title, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“We can’t approach a day looking for help. I think we put ourselves in a situation where we’re in the driver’s seat. There’s going to be some scoreboard watching — that’s natural — but it’s upon us to kind of take care of our own business.”
While it may be an unlikely scenario, the Dodgers could punch their ticket to the postseason by winning each of their five remaining games. However, to win the NL West that way would take them to the final day of the regular season.
Ideally, the Rockies would lose one or two games this week, which would allow the Dodgers to strategically begin planning for the NL Division Series.
The Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants have both been eliminated from postseason contention and at this point are simply positioned to play the role of spoiler.
