The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres clashed this week, marking their first encounter since the 2024 National League Division Series. Their matchups have grown more significant, as the teams have met in the playoffs three times since 2020, with the Dodgers winning two series, including both years they clinched the World Series. Despite debates about the nature of their rivalry, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasizes that the intensity has escalated due to higher stakes, which enhances the excitement for fans and players alike.
"The familiarity of the core from both sides remaining intact adds to the flavor, the history, and the familiarity," manager Dave Roberts said.
"I think it's become a rivalry because the stakes have been higher the last few years," he said.
"I just have a hard time believing something can be a rivalry when there's no stakes," Roberts explained.
"The only significance was the series opener so that it would push us forward," said Roberts after the Dodgers' win.
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