Did the Dodgers Win the NLDS?
The National League Division Series (NLDS) is one of the most exciting times in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Los Angeles Dodgers, who won their seventh consecutive National League West Division title in 2020, were one of the teams vying for the NLDS crown. So, did the Dodgers win the NLDS?
The answer is yes, the Dodgers won the 2020 NLDS, defeating the San Diego Padres 3-2 in the best-of-five series. The Dodgers were the first team in Major League Baseball history to win a Division Series after trailing 0-2 in the series.
The Road to the NLDS Title
The Dodgers entered the 2020 NLDS with a regular season record of 45-26, the best in the National League. They finished second in the National League West, four games behind the Padres.
In the NLDS, the Dodgers started off slowly, losing the first two games of the series. However, they regrouped and won the next three games, becoming the first team in MLB history to win a Division Series after trailing 0-2.
The Dodgers were led by their two aces, Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Kershaw pitched Game One, allowing three runs in six innings, and Buehler pitched Games Four and Five, throwing a total of ten innings and allowing just two runs.
The Dodgers’ offense was also key to their success. Max Muncy and Mookie Betts both hit home runs in the decisive Game Five, and Corey Seager was a force at the plate, hitting .296 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the five games.
The Meaning of the Title
The Dodgers’ NLDS victory was a sweet one for the franchise, as it was the first time in 32 years that the team had won a Division Series. It was also the first time in franchise history that the Dodgers had won the NLDS after trailing 0-2 in the series.
The victory was even more meaningful for the players, as many of them had never won a Division Series before. Corey Seager, in particular, was a key player in the series, and his first Division Series victory was a sweet one.
Looking Ahead to the NLCS
Now that the Dodgers have won the NLDS, they are set to face the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
The Dodgers and the Braves split their eight regular season meetings, with each team winning four games. The Braves won two of three games at Dodger Stadium, while the Dodgers won two of three at SunTrust Park.
The Dodgers will have the home field advantage in the NLCS, as the first two games and a potential Game Seven will be played at Dodger Stadium.
Key Players in the NLCS
The Dodgers will look to their star players to lead them to victory in the NLCS. Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler will be expected to lead the way on the mound, while Mookie Betts and Corey Seager will be counted on to provide offensive production.
The Dodgers will also need key contributions from players like Max Muncy, Justin Turner, and Cody Bellinger. Muncy hit two home runs in the NLDS, Turner batted .308 with one home run and three RBIs, and Bellinger hit .357 with two home runs and four RBIs.
The Braves’ Star Players
The Braves will also be counting on their star players to lead them in the NLCS. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman were both outstanding in the Division Series, batting .435 and .333, respectively. They will be looking to continue their strong performances in the NLCS.
The Braves will also be relying on their pitching staff, led by Max Fried and Ian Anderson. Fried pitched seven shutout innings in the NLDS, and Anderson allowed just one run in six innings.
Predictions for the NLCS
The NLCS is sure to be a hard-fought series between two very talented teams. The Dodgers have the home field advantage and some of the best players in the game, while the Braves have a deep roster and a lot of star power.
The Dodgers have been the dominant team in the National League for the past few years, and they are the favorites to win the NLCS. However, the Braves are a talented team and they have the potential to pull off an upset.
The Impact of the Dodgers’ NLDS Win
The Dodgers’ win in the NLDS was a historic one, and it has had a big impact on the team and its fans. The win was a long-awaited one for the franchise, as it had been 32 years since the team had won a Division Series.
The win was an emotional one for many of the players, particularly Corey Seager, who had never won a Division Series before. The victory was also a big one for the Dodgers’ fans, who have been eagerly awaiting a championship for many years.
The Future of the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ NLDS victory was a big moment for the franchise, and it sets them up nicely for the NLCS and beyond. The Dodgers have the home field advantage in the NLCS, and they are the favorites to win the series.
If the Dodgers can win the NLCS, they will advance to the World Series for the first time since 1988. Winning the World Series would be a huge accomplishment for the franchise, and it would be a fitting reward for the team’s dominant run over the past seven years.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, “Did the Dodgers win the NLDS?” is a resounding yes. The Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 3-2 in the best-of-five series, becoming the first team in MLB history to win a Division Series after trailing 0-2.
The Dodgers’ NLDS win was a historic one for the franchise, and it sets them up nicely for the NLCS and beyond. The Dodgers have the home field advantage in the NLCS, and they are the favorites to win the series. If they can do that, they will advance to the World Series for the first time since 1988.
Whatever happens in the NLCS and beyond, the Dodgers’ NLDS win will be remembered as one of the most memorable moments in the team’s history.