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The Sports Report: Dodgers win the NL West

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 11:19 GMT by Los Angeles Times
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Dodgers Clinch NL West, Set Stage for Postseason Showdown

On a Friday evening that felt like the culmination of a long, hard‑won campaign, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured the National League West title, riding a late‑season surge that saw them finish with a 93‑68 record. The 2025 season, long riddled with early‑season struggles, ended in a triumphant crescendo for the Dodgers, who clinched the division in a dramatic fashion with a 6‑2 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. The win not only sealed the division but also gave the Dodgers a more favorable path into the playoffs, setting up a first‑round series against the National League Wild Card winner.

A Season of Resilience

The Dodgers’ 2025 campaign had everything but a smooth road. Early in the season, injuries to key starters—including a sprained right ankle for outfielder Cavan Biggio and a strained lat for pitcher Chris Bassitt—kept the team scrambling. They finished the first half of the year with a sub‑ .500 record, hovering around 35‑35 before a pivotal 10‑game stretch in June that turned their fortunes around.

“We were playing catch‑up for a large part of the first half,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in a post‑game interview after the Rockies win. “But we started believing we could finish what we started, and that belief kept us pushing.” The belief was reflected in their pitching rotation, which went from a 4.70 ERA in the first half to a league‑best 3.15 in the second.

Stars Leading the Charge

Two players were especially instrumental in the Dodgers’ title run. Pitching ace Walker Buehler posted a 3.09 ERA over 25 starts, notching 210 strikeouts while limiting opponents to a .225 batting average. Buehler’s calm command on the mound was especially evident in the decisive game against the Rockies, where he allowed just one earned run over six innings and was credited with the win.

Offensively, Shohei Ohtani continued his dual‑role brilliance. In the final 30 games of the season, Ohtani batted .278 with 23 home runs and 52 RBIs. His power was a key factor in the 6‑2 win over Colorado, where he went 2‑for‑3, hitting a two‑run homer that shifted the momentum in the Dodgers’ favor. In the postseason preview columns, analysts cited Ohtani’s ability to both hit for power and pitch as a major advantage for the Dodgers.

Another pillar of the lineup was rookie sensation Cavan Biggio, who returned from injury mid‑season and hit .307 with 14 home runs. His defensive versatility in the outfield helped the Dodgers stay in games where they often played a bit of a catch‑up.

The Final Game

The Dodgers faced the Rockies in a do‑or‑die situation. The Rockies, 5.5 games back, had won 5 of their last 7, but the Dodgers’ pitchers and hitters had the momentum. The game began with a two‑run lead for the Dodgers, courtesy of an Ohtani walk‑off home run in the third inning. The Rockies fought back, but Buehler’s steady performance in the middle innings and a solid bullpen finish ensured a Dodgers victory. The win, coupled with a loss by the San Diego Padres, sealed the division for Los Angeles.

Following the victory, the stadium erupted in a spontaneous celebration. Fans streamed onto the field, waving Dodgers flags and throwing confetti into the air. A short moment of silence was observed for the memory of former Dodgers legend Bobby Ellis, who had passed away earlier that month, adding an emotional tone to the celebration.

Playoff Outlook

With the NL West crown in hand, the Dodgers will meet the National League Wild Card winner in the first round of the NLDS. The Wild Card bracket, still undecided at the time of the article, could feature teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, the St. Louis Cardinals, or the San Diego Padres, who finished third in the division.

If the Brewers advance, the Dodgers would face a tough, high‑scoring lineup featuring star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and a bullpen that has been dominant all season. Conversely, a series against the Cardinals would pit the Dodgers’ strong pitching against the Cardinals’ deep lineup, centered around Manny Machín and Nolan Nathanson.

In either scenario, the Dodgers will have the advantage of a deep rotation featuring Buehler and a promising young arm in Alex Bautista, who finished the season with a 3.56 ERA. Their offense will be anchored by Ohtani and Mookie Betts, who continued to play a key role throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers’ victory not only reflects a successful season but also sets the stage for a team on the cusp of a new era. With veteran players like Ohtani still in their prime and a core of young talent that is rapidly maturing, the Dodgers have a strong foundation for continued success. Analyst commentary from The Los Angeles Times emphasized the importance of the Dodgers’ organizational depth, noting that the front office’s focus on international talent has started to pay dividends.

In the post‑season preview, Dave Roberts expressed confidence in the team’s chemistry and resilience: “We’ve had to learn how to win in different situations. I think that’s what this division championship is about.”

The Dodgers’ triumph in the NL West, therefore, is a culmination of a season of perseverance, strategic adjustments, and standout performances. With the playoffs on the horizon, the fans in Los Angeles can expect to see a team ready to compete at the highest level—and potentially defend a World Series title in the near future.