Dodgers Clinch Home Field Advantage

Everybody knew that the Dodgers were going to play the New York Mets in the NLDS — no one really thought LA would get home field advantage, though.

It’s just that — no one knew who was going to host the five-game series.

Luckily, you’re reading this article, because the Dodgers have won the second seed in the National League, which comes with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Unless, they play the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS, that is.

The Dodgers won home field advantage as they took destiny in to their own hands by taking care of the Padres and getting some help from the Washington Nationals.

The Nationals beat the Mets twice tonight, in a doubleheader to make-up for the game that was postponed on Friday.

Bryce Harper lead the first game with a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the eighth to give the Nationals the first of two wins.

Then, today didn’t get any better for the Mets, and their chances for the home-field bid.

With the Mets losing the first game of the doubleheader, the Dodgers took a one game lead over the Mets for home-field advantage.

So, the Mets still had a shot of staying only 1 game behind the Dodgers.

Unfortunately, the Mets weren’t really concentrated on getting home-field advantage, but instead trying to figure out how to get a hit in the second game of the doubleheader.

As Max Scherzer tossed his second no-hitter of the 2015 season — and was close to a perfect game — it was snapped when third baseman Yunel Escobar committed an error on a ground ball from Kevin Plawecki.

The Dodgers, on the other side of the coast, had another great win over the Padres.

With another strong pitching performance from Zack Greinke, going 8 strong innings, and striking out 8 for 200 strikeouts this season.

After tonight, Greinke will win his second ERA Title of his career, and most likely will be awarded his second Cy Young Award.

The Dodgers now will have won the ERA title for the last five years, and have the last three National League Cy Young winners.

Clayton Kershaw won the last four ERA Titles from 2011 to 2014, and the CY Young Award from 2013 to 2014.

So, with the Dodgers officially hosting the Mets next Friday, it’s fair to ask what is expected from the Dodgers tomorrow, and what does home field advantage do for the Dodgers.

Well for tomorrow, don’t expect the Dodgers to take it easy.

The Dodgers will send Clayton Kershaw to the mound, who looks to continue his dominance this year, as well as getting himself, and the whole team ready for the Mets.

Kershaw will be looking to get 300 strikeouts this year.

Which just demonstrates how dominate he’s been this year, even though he’s struggled this year.

Especially when you compare his stats to Greinke, who you could argue was probably one of the best pitchers in the National League, or in the MLB.

Tomorrow expect for Kershaw to get his 300 strikeout, and maybe even more, and for the Dodgers to end the season with the confidence, competitiveness, and the mindset of going all the way to the World Series.

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The Mets series should really be one of the best NLDS match ups in a long time.

That should have great pitching, great defense, spectacular plays, and explosive offenses from both teams.

In my personal opinion, I don’t think the series is going to be an easy series, but I do believe home field advantage could be the difference of a team getting to the NLCS.

I do believe the Dodgers will take the Mets series in 4 games, and wouldn’t even be shocked if the Dodgers swept the Mets.

I know the Mets are a great team, but even though the Mets have as good as a pitching rotation as the Dodgers do, and their offense could be even better then the Dodgers.

I don’t expect them to out pitch two of the best pitchers in baseball.

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