The Los Angeles Dodgers just punched their ticket to the postseason for the 14th consecutive year, tying a major league record! They got it done on Monday with a win against the Reds, putting them right up there with the Atlanta Braves, who also pulled off 14 straight playoff trips from 1991 to 2005. That’s some serious consistency.
Another Year, Another Division Title
These guys don’t quit. After that playoff berth on Monday, they turned around and beat the Reds again on Tuesday in Cincinnati, a victory that officially knocked the Arizona Diamondbacks out of NL West contention. Then, to cap it all off, the Dodgers rolled over the Reds one more time on Thursday. That win clinched their fifth consecutive division title, and their 13th in the last 14 years. Talk about owning your division, right? It’s a crazy run.
The Race for That Sweet, Sweet Bye
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the top two division winners in the National League get a bye straight into the National League Division Series. That means they skip the wild card round and start their postseason run on Saturday, October 3, instead of battling it out on Tuesday, September 29. As of September 17, the Brewers are leading with a 95-58 record, the Dodgers are at 93-60, and the Braves are sitting at 89-64.
Here’s the kicker: the Dodgers don’t hold the tiebreaker over either the Brewers or the Braves. So, if they want a higher seed, they simply have to finish with a better record. To clinch at least the No. 2 seed over Atlanta, the Dodgers have a magic number of six. That means they need six outcomes out of the remaining 18 games to fall their way. Atlanta, on the other hand, needs 13 of 18 outcomes to claim that No. 2 spot.
#1 Seed: A True Grind
Getting the No. 1 seed over Milwaukee? That’s a whole different beast. The Dodgers’ magic number to finish with the best record in the National League is a hefty 13. They need 12 of the next 18 outcomes to go their way if they want that top spot. Meanwhile, the Brewers only need seven of those 18 outcomes to secure the best NL record for the second year in a row. It’s a tough road ahead, but if anyone can grind it out, it’s this squad. They’ve clinched their spot, but the fight for that top seed and the bye is going to be intense right down to the wire.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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