The Dodgers triumphed over their rivals, the Padres, with a score of 7-2, securing their 11th NL West division title in 12 years.

Will Smith launched a game-tying home run, Shohei Ohtani drove in the go-ahead run with a single, and Mookie Betts added a two-run single as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied with five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the San Diego Padres 5-2 on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers continue their dominance in the National League West division.

Will Smith hit a game-tying home run, Shohei Ohtani delivered a single that brought in the go-ahead run, and Mookie Betts contributed a two-run single as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the San Diego Padres 7-2 on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

This victory secured the 2024 National League West division title for the Dodgers, marking their 11th title in the last 12 years and their 23rd overall.

After losing five consecutive games to San Diego earlier this season, the Dodgers won the last two games of the series to clinch the division crown.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these guys,” said manager Dave Roberts. “They fought hard and overcame adversity.”

The Dodgers struggled offensively against Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove, who kept them scoreless through six innings. However, when Musgrove returned to the mound for the seventh, the Dodgers finally broke through. Max Muncy started the inning with a walk, and Smith followed with a home run to center field, tying the game at 2-2. “It got everyone going,” Smith said of his homer.

Musgrove remains winless against the Dodgers in his career at 0-7 and will have to wait until next season for a chance to change that.

“Musgrove threw a heck of a ballgame,” Roberts acknowledged. “You have to tip your hat to him.”

Kiké Hernandez added a pinch-hit single, and Andy Pages reached on a catcher’s interference call, setting the stage for more heroics from Ohtani. He hit a single to right field, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 lead. “I’m really happy,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “I came to the stadium today really wanting to clinch.”

Betts then broke the game open with a two-run single, contributing to a five-run inning and allowing for scheduled postgame champagne celebrations. Andy Pages also provided extra insurance with a two-run home run in the eighth. Walker Buehler pitched exceptionally well, giving up just one run on five hits over five innings. Despite a challenging season following his second Tommy John procedure, Buehler is expected to be a key player in the postseason as he appears to be regaining his form.

One concern for the Dodgers is that first baseman Freddie Freeman left the game with a right ankle injury while hustling down the first-base line in the seventh inning.

Now that the NL West division is secured and a first-round bye is guaranteed, the Dodgers will aim to clinch the best record in the National League and secure the number one overall seed as they travel to Colorado for the final series of the regular season.