The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their remarkable dominance Thursday night, clinching their 11th National League West championship in 12 seasons with a convincing 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.

While the ultimate prize remains the World Series—a goal heightened by their record-breaking contracts exceeding $1 billion—the Dodgers' first task was to secure the NL West title.

This season was marked by astronomical expectations, largely fueled by the addition of Shohei Ohtani, baseball's biggest star, alongside former MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Fans anticipated a powerhouse lineup capable of overwhelming opponents, but the path to this championship was anything but straightforward.

Throughout the season, the Dodgers faced injury troubles. Each member of their original starting rotation spent time on the injured list or was traded, putting the depth to the test. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers remained a formidable force in the NL West.

Unlike in previous seasons, the Dodgers faced stiff competition down the stretch, failing to maintain a double-digit lead in the division. The NL West, arguably the toughest division in baseball, kept the pressure on Los Angeles. But through grit and talent, the Dodgers have once again proven that the road to the postseason runs through Southern California. 

As the playoffs loom, the Dodgers are poised to chase their ultimate goal: another World Series title, and this time, they won’t be satisfied with anything less.