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Dodgers Highlights: Joey Gallo, Freddie Freeman & Max Muncy Hit Home Runs In NL West Clincher Against Diamondbacks; Mookie Betts’ Sliding Catch

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Joey Gallo, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy provided run support for Clayton Kershaw as the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West with a 4-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The division title is the Dodgers’ ninth in the past 10 seasons, and the 2022 team is the fastest in Los Angeles franchise history to clinch.

Gallo provided Kershaw with an early lead by breaking up the scoreless tie in the second inning on a two-run homer that cleared the high fence in center field and landed onto the concourse. His majestic drive was matched by Freeman clearing the Chase Field pool for a solo shot in the third inning.

Muncy capped off the Dodgers’ scoring with a solo home run of his own in the seventh. Muncy became the fifth Dodgers player with at least 20 homers this season, which is most among all teams.

As the Dodgers were taking their lead and adding onto it, Kershaw was turning in a vintage performance. He got through seven innings with just one hit and one walk in his fourth time winning a division-clinching game for the Dodgers.

Kershaw didn’t allow a hit until Geraldo Perdomo’s single with one out in the third inning, and it was followed by retiring 13 batters in a row. That stretch included Mookie Betts making a sliding catch in right field for the first out of the seventh inning.

Dodgers magic number for No. 1 seed

With the NL West wrapped up, next for the Dodgers is maintaining the top seed in the league and best record in baseball. The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NL over the New York Mets is 11.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com