Dodgers News: First NL West Celebration Means a Lot to Ryan Pepiot and Rookie Teammates
If there is one thing that’s been synonymous with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past decade-plus, it’s winning.
The franchise captured their 10th NL West title in the past 11 seasons with a win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, and popping champagne bottles in September has become an occurrence that’s almost been taken for granted by Dodger fans.
For all of the team’s success though, not everyone had reached the divisional mountaintop before this weekend.
Dodgers rookie pitcher Ryan Pepiot spoke with AM570 radio about winning his first division title, and the occasion means a lot to him given the injury issues he’s faced this season.
“It’s a special group of guys. It’s the most fun I’ve had playing baseball. To be able to come back after missing so much time and to have the guys have the support and trust behind me, I can’t speak to it enough. It means a lot.”
via AM570 radio
Pepiot also discussed how special it was for him to win the title with players that he came up through the organization with. The right-hander has been teammates with centerfielder James Outman and pitcher Emmet Sheehan in the minors — two players that played notable roles in the team winning the division.
“This means a lot. I mean, you’ve got guys that your age, you got guys that you’ve come up the system with and you played with before. And then guys that you’re sharing the same experiences with. All of us, this is our first time popping champagne after winning the division, it’s an unspeakable kind of moment. I’m taking it all in at once.”
via AM570 radio
Now with that first order of business taken care of, the Dodgers will try to parlay that into a deep playoff run next month.
While it may be difficult for LA to get to the World Series due in large part to a thin starting rotation, the Dodgers have a mix of great young talent and reliable veterans that may be able to guide them to the Fall Classic.
And even with a lack of rotation depth and injury concerns throughout the regular season, the Dodgers still have the second-best record in the National League and will definitely be contenders come the postseason.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
We’re giving away an authentic Mookie Betts jersey. All you have to do is subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
