Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – The Los Angeles Dodgers, seeking a third straight World Series crown, booked their playoff berth Monday with a 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. With a 91-59 record and 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Dodgers are now assured of at least a wild card series place, as they pursue a historic three-peat as MLB champions.
The Dodgers are currently in position for one of the National League’s top-two seeds — who receive first-round byes and hosting rights in the division series — along with the Milwaukee Brewers, who are also assured of post-season action. Over in the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays have already qualified.
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The free-spending Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series and triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays last year. Having added outfielder Kyle Tucker in the off-season and two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Tarik Skubal last month, the Dodgers are favorites to complete their hat-trick. They could become the first National League club to win the World Series three years in a row and the first since the Yankees from 1998-2000.
But reaching the playoffs for a 14th straight season has not been all plain sailing. Having reached the All-Star break leading Arizona by 11.5 games in the NL West division — by far the largest margin for any division leader — the Dodgers suffered a slump in form. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has been derailed by injuries, and is not expected to pitch again this season, while his batting form has also dipped.
But a recent season-best run of eight straight victories restored the Dodgers’ substantial lead at the top of the NL West. Their closest rivals for a top-two seed are the NL East’s Atlanta Braves. Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernandez each hit home runs in the Dodgers’ comfortable Monday night victory in Cincinnati.
© 2024 AFP
