"They didn't dogpile on the mound. They were animated but relatively reserved in an abbreviated clubhouse champagne shower. It was no doubt a celebratory moment for the Dodgers, capturing their 12th division title in the last 13 years with an 8-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. But it was accompanied by moments of internal reflection, as well. About a regular season that has posed challenges at every turn. About a six-month slog in which frustration and adversity were around every corner."
"The reasons why are numerous, from early-season injuries in the rotation to an extended second-half slump from the lineup to a string of bullpen collapses that made the division race unexpectedly close. Through it all, however, ran one common thread. While there is no universal consensus over the veracity of a so-called " World Series hangover," some team members have acknowledged the unique obstacles that have come with trying to repeat as champions."
""Baseball is different than any other sport," manager Dave Roberts said. "The psyche part of it, the battle of attrition, all that stuff kind of matters. There's probably many reasons why [repeating as World Series champions] hasn't been done since the Yankees did it [from 1998-2000]. But that's something we're trying to do. We have an opportunity to make history. It hasn't been easy. But that's part of it.""
The Dodgers secured their 12th division title in 13 years with an 8-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Celebration was subdued on the mound and in the clubhouse despite the accomplishment. Players and staff reflected on a difficult season marked by early rotation injuries, prolonged lineup slumps, and bullpen collapses that tightened the division race. Max Muncy described the year as tough. Freddie Feeman called the journey "not the smoothest of ride to get here." Manager Dave Roberts emphasized baseball's unique psychological toll, attrition, and the rarity of repeating as World Series champions while noting the team's opportunity to make history.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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