LA owns 4-game lead with 18 to play
As the Dodgers try to capture their fourth consecutive National League West title and a fourth straight trip to the postseason, unprecedented in franchise history, we will keep track of their magic number, the combination of Dodgers wins and Giants losses needed to clinch the division.
The Dodgers did not help themselves on Tuesday night with a 3-0 loss to the Yankees in New York, but with the Giants’ stunning loss at home to the Padres — allowing five runs in the ninth inning, punctuated by Ryan Schmipf’s game-winning three-run home run — LA’s lead in the division remains four games, with 18 games remaining in the regular season.