Dodgers playoff-bound for 9th straight year

Winning back-to-back titles served as enough motivation for the Dodgers heading into this season, but the lack of normalcy in 2020 certainly fueled their desires to try to win another title and do all the things they weren’t able to do last year.

With an 8-4 win over the D-backs on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, paired with losses by the Padres and Reds, the Dodgers took their first step in their quest to repeat, clinching their ninth consecutive postseason berth.

“It’s a special moment, to be able to get to the postseason for, what is it, nine years in a row now?” said Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy. “It’s quite an accomplishment. You can’t take the postseason for granted. It’s a special moment, and everyone’s excited about it.”

Despite securing a playoff spot, though, the Dodgers’ focus is on winning the National League West for a ninth straight season. That’s become more difficult than anticipated, as the Dodgers remain 2 1/2 games behind the Giants with 16 games left in the regular season.