Dodgers’ Magic Number Shrinks as Padres Fall to Mets
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves one step closer to clinching the National League West, and it didn’t even require them to take the field. Thanks to the San Diego Padres’ loss to the New York Mets on Thursday, the Dodgers’ magic number has now dropped to just seven. That means with every Dodgers win or Padres loss, that number continues to shrink, and the Dodgers inch closer to locking up the division title once again.
The equation is simple. If Los Angeles manages to grab a win against the San Francisco Giants in their series opener, that number falls to six. If they stumble, however, it stays put at seven for the moment. Right now, the Dodgers hold a 2.5–game lead in the NL West, so the breathing room is there, but not quite comfortable enough to relax just yet.
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What has kept the Dodgers steady through this late stretch has been the starting rotation. Blake Snell, who was brought in to strengthen the pitching staff, delivered one of his sharpest performances of the season on Wednesday night. Facing a dangerous Philadelphia Phillies lineup, Snell threw seven scoreless innings and struck out twelve batters. His dominance prevented what could have been a sweep at the hands of the Phillies and instead secured the Dodgers a crucial victory.
Still, even as the starting pitching shines, there’s a looming concern. The bullpen remains a major question mark heading into October. Statistically, the relievers sit among the worst in Major League Baseball with a collective ERA of 4.29. For a team with championship aspirations, that number is a red flag. Manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged the struggles, noting that much of the problem may come down to confidence. In his words, results can’t come until belief and execution are there pitch by pitch. His hope is that his relievers can reset mentally and stop pressing too hard when they take the mound.
It’s a valid point because postseason baseball often comes down to the bullpen. Last year, Dodgers relievers played a massive role in October success. This year, that same group may represent the biggest vulnerability. If the bullpen can find its rhythm, Los Angeles has the talent to make another deep run. If not, October could become a rough road.
Meanwhile, the Padres’ stumble against the Mets has wider ripple effects across the division. The Giants, who were quietly rooting for their rivals to take down New York, now find themselves slipping further out of Wild Card contention. The Mets’ win not only helped Los Angeles but also boosted their own postseason outlook, leaving San Francisco and Arizona scrambling for survival.
For now, though, the spotlight remains firmly on the Dodgers. Their magic number has fallen, their ace starters are stepping up, and Dodger fans can already feel the energy of October baseball building. The only question left is how soon that division crown will officially be theirs.
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