SEATTLE – Clayton Kershaw doesn’t know how many more celebrations like this he’ll have in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse.
But he recognizes that an NL West title still feels special.
“You have to accept it and enjoy it. As I said, this could be the last one for some time. I say it every year, but you can’t underestimate these moments,” said the star pitcher.
The Dodgers won the division title for the 10th time in 11 seasons, defeating the Seattle Mariners 6-2 in 11 innings on Saturday.
Max Muncy’s single off Gabe Speier (2-2) led off Mookie Betts from second with one out in the 11th inning, giving the Dodgers the lead. Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernández followed with two-run singles off Isaiah Campbell.
The many Dodger fans in the park celebrated while the Seattle fans made their way to the exit.
Evan Phillips (2-4) struck out the pitcher in the 10th inning while Joe Kelly got the final three outs. The Dodgers then held a brief on-field celebration with hugs, hats and T-shirts commemorating the title.
Before the season, there was debate about whether San Diego could wrest the division title from the Dodgers after their heavy spending prior to this season. But once again, the Dodgers showed that they are the kings of the division, securing the crown with a few weeks left in the regular season.
“It’s exciting. When you look back at the beginning or middle of the year, you realize the opportunity we had tonight is a credit to a lot of people,” said manager Dave Roberts.
For the Dodgers, Dominican Amed Rosario without an official hit, but with two runs scored. The Venezuelan David Peralta 2:0. Miguel Rojas 3-0. Puerto Rican Hernández is 1-1 with two RBIs.
For the Mariners, the Dominicans Julio Rodríguez 4-1 and Teoscar Hernández 4-0 with one run scored. The Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez 5:0.
