In the world of baseball, few rivalries spark as much excitement and tension as the ongoing series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. The 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) has once again pitted these rivals against each other, and the stakes could not be higher. The Padres currently lead the series 2-1, a position that puts them on the brink of eliminating the Dodgers for the second time in just three seasons.
The Dodgers have long been a dominant force in the National League West, capturing the division title 11 of the last 12 times. They are no strangers to the pressure of the postseason, having achieved an impressive 111-win season in 2022. Yet, this year, it's the Padres who have risen to the challenge, emerging as a formidable opponent.
The Padres’ Surge
Historically, the Padres haven't always been a powerhouse. The team has experienced its share of struggles, including a lackluster 70-92 record back in 2019. However, recent seasons have seen the Padres evolve into a team with championship potential. By the latter half of the current season, analysts were dubbing them likely the best team in baseball, a testament to their dramatic improvement and consistently strong performance.
One of the key figures in the Padres' resurgence is Manny Machado. Machado, who signed with the Padres in 2019, previously wore Dodger blue in 2018. His leadership and skill have been crucial in turning the Padres' fortunes around. Meanwhile, Padres manager Mike Shildt has expertly guided the team, helping them channel their talents and competitive spirit.
Intensity of the Rivalry
For the Dodgers, facing the Padres is not just about winning games; it’s about navigating the fierce emotional landscape that has come to define this rivalry. Dodgers player Max Muncy has noted the heightened emotions that accompany these games. "The atmosphere here plays off their emotion," he explained. "Just something as simple as a single, and you see the guy throwing the bat 30 feet in the air, that really gets the crowd going here."
This passionate atmosphere is no coincidence. The Padres are known for their ability to stir emotions and get under their opponents’ skin. "That is kind of part of their game," Muncy observed, "trying to get under your skin and trying to have the emotion come out and get you to do something that you're not normally doing."
The Dodgers’ Perspective
For Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, the Padres’ approach is clear. "Clearly that team over there, they like the villain-type kind of role and they feed off of that," Roberts acknowledged. Indeed, this villainous persona only adds fuel to the already simmering rivalry, making each pitch and swing of the bat even more electrifying.
Despite their history of success, the Dodgers need to overcome both the Padres’ current momentum and the emotional theatrics that have become synonymous with this matchup. The tension isn't just felt on the field but also behind the scenes. Reflecting on his past interactions with Manny Machado, Roberts shared, "It was unsettling. Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it."
The Road to Victory
As the two teams prepare for what could be a series-defining game, the Dodgers must draw on their considerable experience and recent history of excellence. In 2022, they had narrowly lost to the Padres after leading the first game in the NLDS, only for the Padres to come back and win three consecutive games. This recent loss has likely not been forgotten by a Dodgers team that prides itself on its championship aspirations.
The series this season has been tight, with the Padres taking 8 out of 13 games against the Dodgers during the regular season. This record, coupled with their current 2-1 series lead, places the Padres in a strong position to advance and possibly replicate their 2020 sweep of the Dodgers in the NLDS.
Yet, baseball is a game of unpredictability, and the Dodgers are known for staging dramatic comebacks where the stakes are highest. As the series progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch eagerly to see if the Dodgers can once again emerge triumphant or if the Padres will solidify their status as a team to be feared in the postseason. The next game promises not only high stakes but also the continued saga of one of baseball’s most exciting rivalries.