Dodgers Clinch Fifth Straight NL West Title

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 on Thursday to clinch their fifth consecutive National League West title and secure a place in the National League Division Series. The Dodgers, who are the two-time defending World Series champions, are on track to face either the Atlanta Braves or San Diego Padres in the division series. Their victory followed Cincinnati’s 6-2 win Wednesday, when Los Angeles went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and lost starter Blake Snell after one inning to left-groin tightness. The Dodgers’ depth has helped them withstand injuries, but the potential postseason returns of reliever Edwin Díaz and pitcher Rōki Sasaki remain uncertain.