The Los Angeles Dodgers received some help from the Colorado Rockies but otherwise took care of business on their own to clinch the 2023 National League West title with a 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners in 11 innings.
Pitching for the first time in 10 days, Clayton Kershaw still did not get his fastball velocity over 90 mph and issued a leadoff walk. However, he managed to keep the Mariners off the board by getting through four scoreless innings.
The game remained tied into the 10th inning despite Jason Heyward tying a Dodgers franchise record with three doubles. Although their offense couldn’t take advantage of the extra-base hits, the pitching staff rose to the occasion.
Emmet Sheehan followed Kershaw by collecting five scoreless innings over three innings. Meanwhile, Ryan Brasier inherited two runners from Alex Vesia but worked out of the jam.
RYAN BRASIER. pic.twitter.com/Eig5AGkGHI
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
Kolten for the lead! pic.twitter.com/1KZHp5bwm6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
Kolten Wong’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the 10th inning put the Dodgers ahead, and Max Muncy’s 100th RBI of the season gave them another lead in the 11th.
100 RBI for Max! pic.twitter.com/nUV9pHcc8R
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
CLUTCH TAYLOR. pic.twitter.com/QdWecgCiF6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
Kiké for two! pic.twitter.com/ulNO2CsKCl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
That wound up being the start of a big inning for the Dodgers as Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernández each drove in a pair of runs with their respective singles.
The NL West still runs through LA! pic.twitter.com/2Um89KKbzs
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
Freshman year vs. senior year. pic.twitter.com/36nk0nWeux
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
Kiké is a vibe. pic.twitter.com/RkiqLO2naM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
Victory formation!
Dodgers x @Yaamava pic.twitter.com/rro2v4lIMa
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 17, 2023
The Dodgers won the NL West for a 10th time in the past 11 seasons. The lone exception came in 2021 when they finished one game back of the San Francisco Giants despite setting a franchise record at the time with 106 wins.
Dodgers postseason streak
Along with their extended success as NL West champions, the Dodgers are in the midst of reaching the playoffs 11 years in a row.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
