Dodgers Highlights: LA Takes Series Against Padres, Magic Number Down to 2

With an 11-2 win, the Dodgers were able to clinch a spot in the playoffs (for the tenth consecutive year in a row) and take the series against the San Diego Padres. They were also able to drop their magic number down to 2.

The Dodgers have clinched a spot in the postseason. They are the third franchise in Major League history with a postseason streak of at least 10 straight seasons, joining the Atlanta Braves (14: 1991-1993, 1995-2005) and New York Yankees (13: 1995-2007).

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— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 11, 2022

But they not only won, they destroyed the team in the series finale scoring 6 of the runs in the seventh inning to put the Division rival away. Tonight, the game was led by the recent Roberto Clemente Award nominee, Justin Turner, who had two home runs and a 5 RBI game.

Some RedTurn2 Magic

His first homer of the day was a solo shot in the fifth inning to finally give the Dodgers a run on the scoreboard. It was his 155th career homer that moved him into sole possession of 10th place in Los Angeles Dodger history. Shortly after, a clean-shaven Chris Taylor knocked in a solo shot of his own to tie the game 2-2 in the fifth inning.

Now up 6-2 in the seventh inning, RedTurn2’s next at-bat resulted in a grand slam, his second of his career. Watch the bomb here:

Justin Turner hits a GRAND SLAM!!! ? pic.twitter.com/wZowV90wdB

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 11, 2022

This is Justin Turner's second multi-homer game this season. His previous was June 30 — also in a game started by Joe Musgrove.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 11, 2022

Also fun fact according to Doders.mlbblogs.com: Since hitting two homers against the Padres on June 30, also in a game started by Musgrove, Turner is batting .371/.440/.616/1.056 with nine home runs and 40 RBI in 44 games.

But the win today couldn’t have been made possible without the help of his fellow infielders and designated hitter for the day.

Freddie Freeman added to the day with a 2-for-3 performance where he now has hits in all six of his last games and is 12-for-21.

Max Muncy joined in on the fun hitting from the No. 5 spot. He went 1-for-4 but had 3 RBI in his first game back since Wednesday.

Max Muncy has now driven in eight runs in his last three games. He is also 8-for-16 (.500) this week.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 11, 2022

Max Muncy has joined Aaron Judge as the only Major Leaguers this year with three consecutive games with at least three RBI.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 11, 2022

And last but not least, Trea Turner added to the day with a solo home run in the ninth inning to bring in the team’s last run of the day. Turner now has 20 homers and 20 stolen bases this season which is the first time a Dodger has done it since Matt Kemp in 2011.

Heandog is back (and clean-shaven)

In Andrew Heaney’s defense, he shaved first and Chris Taylor followed suit hoping it would bring both of them out of their slumps. It might have worked.

With today’s win, Heaney was able to drop his ERA down to .284 for his 12th start of the season. The start didn’t look too good as he gave up a solo home run in the first inning however, it was his only earned run across the five innings. He did collect 6 K’s though in which his last one forced Manny Machado to fall over with two on in the fifth inning.

The Dodger bullpen of Alex Vesia, Chris Martin, and newly recalled, Andre Jackson threw four shutout innings to end the game.

With the win, the Dodgers can head to Arizona with a chance to regain the NL West title with just 2 more wins. The team is now 96-43 and have improved to a .691 winning percentage. They will play a three game series against the Diamondbacks.