Recap: Dodgers Eliminate Giants From NL West Division Race

The Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back from losing to the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium for the first time this season with a 6-3 win to set the stage for a rubber match on Wednesday afternoon.

And with their win, the Dodgers eliminated the Giants from potentially repeating as National League West champions. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the division for a ninth time in the past 10 seasons is down to seven, but the Arizona Diamondbacks fell short of providing some assistance for a second consecutive night.

As for matters within their own control, the Dodgers were led by Max Muncy producing his first multi-home run game of the season. Prior to Muncy providing fireworks, Joey Gallo erased a 1-0 deficit with a three-run home run in the second inning.

Muncy then hit a two-run homer in the third inning, and an opposite-field solo shot in the sixth. Muncy’s second home run of the game provided the Dodgers with some breathing room as it came after Brandon Crawford’s two-run blast had cut their lead to 5-3.

Tyler Anderson got through seven innings with the three runs allowed on two homers. The first came to Lewis Brinson, who ambushed the first pitch of the game for his third home run in the series. Anderson didn’t walk any batters but allowed eight hits and only had three strikeouts.

He was followed by Chris Martin and Craig Kimbrel, with both retiring the side in order. Kimbrel’s appearance earned him a 22nd save of the season and he’s yet to allow a hit since changing his entrance song to “Let it Go.”

When can Dodgers clinch the NL West?

The earliest day the Dodgers would be able to clinch the NL West if all possibilities break their way is Sunday, when they complete a series with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.