Dodgers infielder Hanser Alberto, left, and Max Muncy, right, celebrate with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, right, celebrates with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates with his players in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers players Joey Gallo, Craig Kimbrel, Cody Bellinger (obstructed), Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Clayton Kershaw, from left, celebrate in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol celebrate with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates with his players in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger celebrate with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers infielder Hanser Alberto, left, and Max Muncy, right, celebrate with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, right, celebrates with teammates in the locker room while doing an interview after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger celebrates with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers outfielder Joey Gallo celebrates with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates with his players in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, left, celebrates with players in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates with his players in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers infielder Hanser Alberto, left, and Max Muncy, right, celebrate with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
From left, the Dodgers’ Joey Gallo, Craig Kimbrel, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Clayton Kershaw post together in the locker room as they celebrate after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers infielder Hanser Alberto, center, celebrates with teammates in the locker room after their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Dodgers’ Joey Gallo hits a two-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Joey Gallo, right, runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run as Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte looks on during the second inning on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly pauses on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to the Dodgers’ Joey Gallo during the second inning of a baseball game in Phoenix, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Dodgers’ Joey Gallo, right, shakes hands with third base coach Dino Ebel as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Dodgers’ Joey Gallo celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly throws to the plate during the second inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor reacts to being called out on strikes as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly throws the ball to a teammate during the third inning on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman hits a solo home run during the third inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly reacts after giving up a solo home run to the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman during the third inning on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, right, is congratulated by teammate Will Smith after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a home run during the third inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers second baseman Chris Taylor throws over the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Geraldo Perdomo after a force out at second base during the third inning on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the second inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman fields a ground ball and tosses to a teammate for an out during the sixth inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy, right, smiles as he celebrates his home run with Justin Turner during the seventh inning of their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers won the National League West title for the ninth time in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner fields a ground ball hit by the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Geraldo Perdomo, who was out at first during the sixth inning on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel, right, celebrates with catcher Will Smith after the final out of their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched their ninth National League West title in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, left, and first baseman Freddie Freeman celebrate after the final out of their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched their ninth National League West title in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner, left, and second baseman Chris Taylor celebrate after the final out of their 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Dodgers clinched their ninth National League West title in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dodgers pose for a team photo after they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-0, on Tuesday night in Phoenix, clinching their ninth National League West title in the past 10 years. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, front, cheers with the team in the background after they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-0, on Tuesday night in Phoenix, clinching their ninth National League West title in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw waves to Dodgers fans after the team defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-0, on Tuesday night in Phoenix, clinching their ninth National League West title in the past 10 years. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — After a brief interruption, order has been restored in the National League West.
A year ago, 106 wins weren’t enough to keep the Dodgers’ streak of division titles going. This year, 98 wins were enough to secure their ninth NL West title in the past 10 years, the clincher coming Tuesday night with Freddie Freeman, Joey Gallo and Max Muncy hitting home runs in a 4-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It is the earliest (141 games) the Dodgers have clinched the division during this decade of dominance, beating the 2019 club by five games.
“It means a lot, but it’s only step one to where we want to be,” Mookie Betts said.
“I don’t think anybody expected this (to clinch so early). But with our team, we’re capable of it.”
The one constant on all nine division title teams – Clayton Kershaw – was the winning pitcher in the division-clinching game for the third time in that run, fourth time overall (he also did it in 2009) and the first time since 2015. In those four starts with a division to be had, Kershaw allowed one run in 30 innings.
“Obviously when you start in spring training, start the season, you know you have a talented roster,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “But looking into the season – we weren’t the defending National League West champions. So that was first on our list – to get the division back in Los Angeles.”
They did it in resounding fashion.
The high-speed chase of last summer when the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants matched each other win for win became a boat race this year. The Dodgers have held at least a share of first place in the division every day but one (June 17) since the end of April and have had a double-digit lead every day since July 21.
The slogan on the T-shirts passed out to the division winners might never be as appropriate as “The West Is Ours” splashed across the front of the ones the Dodgers wore as they celebrated at Chase Field. The Dodgers have gone 43-15 against NL West teams this year.
“Every offseason, every spring training … our first goal is to win the division,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “As we saw last year, it makes life way easier. That’s Goal 1 and obviously it puts us in a better position to win our ultimate goal.”
Before they can chase that, two more wins will give the Dodgers 100 wins for the third consecutive full season and the fourth in the past five. The franchise record of 106 wins (set in 2019 and matched in 2021) is well within reach – the Dodgers are currently on pace for 113 wins.
Which is no more than was expected from this team when Freeman was added to an already-loaded roster this spring.
“That’s how we draw it up. I mean, that’s what we hope for,” Friedman said. “That’s how we drew it up last year and it didn’t happen.”
Freeman has been as good as advertised, responding to his move back to Southern California with … well, tears but also an MVP-caliber season. He homered in Tuesday’s clinching victory giving him 20 home runs and more than 40 doubles (a major-league leading 45). It is only the 11th time in Dodgers history a batter has had a 20-40 season, the first since Corey Seager did it as a rookie in 2016.
Freeman also leads the majors in batting average (.329) and hits (181).
His homer Tuesday was a robust 442 feet, clearing the Diamondbacks’ precious pool in right-center field – but only improving on Joey Gallo’s two-run blast in the second inning Tuesday by four feet.
Muncy joined Freeman in the 20-homer club, giving the Dodgers five players with at least 20 home runs (Trea Turner, Mookie Betts and Will Smith as well).
“The game itself was kind of like our whole season in a nutshell,” Kershaw said. “Mookie makes an unbelievable play. Trea makes an unbelievable play. We get big homers from Joey, Muncy and Freddie. Everybody does a great job and we just win the game.”
The Dodgers have faced challenges this year – just not from anyone in the NL West where the Giants’ magic of 2021 faded fast and the San Diego Padres failed to live up to their billing.
“What a difference a year makes. But it’s because of the guys in that room,” Roberts said.
Instead, the Dodgers had to overcome injuries. Walker Buehler and Daniel Hudson were lost for the year. Betts and Chris Taylor both missed time. Muncy needed half of the season to recover from last year’s elbow injury and rediscover his swing. Kershaw went to the Injured List twice.
Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman named NL Player of the Week again
Kershaw certainly looks fully recovered and October-ready now. He allowed just two hits in seven scoreless innings, retiring 21 of the 24 batters he faced – with Betts’ help.
One night after making a defensive gem while playing second base, Betts went back to the locale where he collects Gold Gloves – and showed why when he ran down Jake McCarthy’s seventh-inning drive and made a sliding catch near the foul line.
“I didn’t think I had a chance of catching it,” Betts admitted later. “I was just running and then I thought, ‘Oh (shoot), I can get there.’”
In three starts since returning from his second trip to the IL, Kershaw has allowed three runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out 19 in 18 innings.
“Thank you for being so good. It’s really fun to be on this team,” Kershaw said after the game, given the honor by Roberts of addressing the team in the clubhouse before bottles started popping.
There’s still a lot of work, a lot of baseball in front of us but couldn’t be happier for all the guys in the room.” – @redturn2 speaks with @THEREAL_DV after clinching the NL West. pic.twitter.com/8MqUTwhfsw
