Clayton Kershaw allowed the Giants a single and a walk in the third inning, and that was it as the Dodgers clinch the NL West with a resounding 8-0 win. Kershaw struck out 13, giving him 294 K for the season. With the Dodgers Mets series not starting until Friday, Oct. 9, Kershaw will probably pitch on rotation Sunday and get a chance at striking out 300 batters.

It was appropriate that a great pitching performance would push the Dodgers into the playoffs. Their offense this season is about average for the National League, but they allow the third fewest runs per game in the NL. With two potential Cy Young Award winners at the top of the rotation, they have a great chance of winning any series they play.

Congratulations to the Dodgers on an excellent regular season!