Dodgers clinch NL West with an 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, locking up their fifth straight division crown and 13th in the past 14 seasons.
Los Angeles, already assured of a 14th consecutive postseason berth earlier in the week, continues a run that ties the record streak Atlanta set from 1991 to 2005. The Dodgers improved to 93-60 and built a 9.5-game cushion over second-place San Diego. They hold the National League’s second-best record as they chase Milwaukee, which entered Thursday at 95-57, for the top NL seed. The clinch is the franchise’s fourth earliest of the modern era, following Sept. 10 in 2019, Sept. 13 in 2022 and Sept. 16 in 2023.
Dodgers clinch NL West behind Tucker’s big night
Kyle Tucker powered the lineup with four hits and three RBIs, finishing a triple shy of the cycle. He opened the scoring with his 16th homer, a two-run shot in the first off Brady Singer.
Tucker later added a single and two doubles as Los Angeles steadily pulled away. Freddie Freeman lifted a sacrifice fly and Tucker followed with an RBI double in the second, then the Dodgers stretched it to 7-0 in the fourth on Max Muncy’s two-run double and Josue De Paula’s RBI single.
Singer was tagged for seven runs on nine hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings. Starter Justin Wrobleski, making his 22nd appearance of the season and first since Sept. 6, struck out three in three perfect innings.
Wrobleski and Blake Treinen combined to retire the first 11 Reds before Sal Stewart connected for his 32nd home run. Landon Knack (1-0) worked four scoreless frames, allowing four hits for his first big league win since May 31 of last year.
Miguel Rojas added late insurance with a ninth-inning homer off Brandon Williamson. Manager Dave Roberts said reliever Edwin Diaz, sidelined by neck inflammation, completed his minor league rehab assignment and is expected to be activated this weekend.
Up next after Dodgers clinch NL West
Dodgers: RHP Tyler Glasnow (4-1, 3.50) is scheduled to face the San Francisco Giants on Friday. San Francisco plans to start LHP Cesar Perdomo (0-1, 3.68).
Reds: RHP Chase Burns (15-3, 2.80) is slated to start Friday against the Chicago Cubs.
For more on standout pitching performances in tight games, read about how a Sandy Alcantara save sealed a Marlins win. Fans can also track upcoming matchups and statistics on the official MLB site.
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