As the 2024 National League Division Series unfolds, the rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres has reached a fever pitch. The Padres have gained a 2-1 lead in the series, pushing the Dodgers to the brink of elimination. The significance of this potential upset cannot be overstated, especially as the Padres have already claimed victory over the Dodgers once in the last three seasons during a historic sweep in the 2020 NLDS.
While the Padres find themselves in a commanding position, the ongoing competition highlights the intricacies of a rivalry that has been brewing over the years. The Dodgers, who have impressively won the NL West division title in 11 of the last 12 seasons, seem to consistently face a formidable challenge when they meet the Padres in the postseason. This year, the Padres have shown they are no longer the team that finished the 2019 season with a disappointing 70-92 record. Instead, they've been cited as possibly the best team in baseball during the latter half of the current season.
Personal and Professional Narratives
The deep connection between players and management adds a personal layer to the professional tension. Former Dodger Manny Machado, who joined the Padres in 2019, is a familiar face in this professional drama. Padres manager Mike Shildt commented on the evolving dynamics, denying any intent behind the strategies that might seem confrontational. "I don't want to cast stones. I'm just not. The answer to your question is no. I don't think there was any intent at all with that," Shildt clarified in response to claims of intentional provocations.
From the Dodgers' perspective, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the stirring emotions surrounding the series. "It was unsettling," Roberts noted, reflecting on his relationship with Machado. "Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it." Despite the tricky manoeuvrings, Roberts recognized the Padres' adeptness in embracing a certain narrative. "Clearly that team over there, they like the villain-type kind of role and they feed off of that," Roberts remarked.
The Emotional Field
Players from both sides have attested to the emotionally charged atmosphere that surrounds their meetings. Dodgers player Max Muncy detailed how the Padres harness the energy of the crowd during games. "The atmosphere here plays off their emotion. And we've seen that for the last several years, even in regular season games," Muncy 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."
Such passion and intensity seem to bear significant influence on both teams' performances. "That is kind of part of their game, 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," Muncy elaborated. This emotional tug-of-war has been part of their historical encounters, including a key moment in the 2022 NLDS where the Padres surged to win three consecutive games after dropping the initial game to the Dodgers.
An Enduring Rivalry
In the regular 2024 season, the Padres cemented their status as a powerhouse by winning 8 out of 13 games against the Dodgers, further stoking the flames of a rivalry that has evolved into one of the most gripping in baseball. The Dodgers, having achieved a staggering 111-win season in 2022, find themselves in a thrilling duel that will challenge their seasoned winning ways.
As the series progresses, this showdown stands as a testament to the competitive essence that both teams bring to the field. With legacies, emotions, and strategies at play, the Dodgers and Padres continue to sculpt their narratives within the tapestry of baseball's storied rivalries. Whether the Padres can seize this opportunity for a decisive triumph, or the Dodgers make yet another comeback in their illustrious history, remains a compelling story in the making as the 2024 NLDS advances towards its climax.