The 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres is more than just a playoff matchup—it's the latest chapter in a burgeoning rivalry that's capturing the attention of baseball fans across the country. The Padres currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series, positioning themselves to potentially eliminate the Dodgers for the second time in three seasons.
Having swept the Dodgers in the 2020 NLDS, the Padres once again have the chance to underscore their growth as a team. It's an intriguing position, given that they were considered one of the best teams in baseball during the second half of the 2024 season, a sharp contrast to their 70-92 record in 2019. However, their recent dominance over the Dodgers is not without precedent; they won 8 out of the 13 regular-season games in 2024 against their Californian rivals.
On the other side, the Dodgers boast a formidable record, having clinched the National League West division title 11 times in the last 12 seasons. Their impressive 111-win season in 2022 is a testament to their consistency, yet it is the Padres who have managed to turn the tables in these high-stakes encounters. The emotional intensity of these matchups is palpable, vividly described by Dodgers player Max Muncy. "The atmosphere here plays off their emotion," he says. "We've seen that for the last several years, even in regular season games. 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."
This heightened atmosphere is part and parcel of the Padres' strategy, as Muncy notes the Padres' ability 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." It's a testament to the Padres' style of play, one that often embraces the role of "villain," a sentiment echoed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "Clearly that team over there, they like the villain-type kind of role and they feed off of that," Roberts commented, acknowledging the psychological edge the Padres seek to cultivate.
Within this context, individual narratives also add depth to the rivalry. Manny Machado, who signed with the Padres in 2019, previously played for the Dodgers in 2018. His presence intensifies the rivalry, especially with past interactions notoriously marked by competitive fire. Dave Roberts reflected on this history with a touch of tension: "It was unsettling. Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it." For his part, Padres manager Mike Shildt downplays any potential animosity, stating, "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's leadership has been crucial as the Padres navigate through these storied contests. His approach contrasts with that of Roberts, cultivating a narrative wherein the Padres embrace their underdog status, even as they evolve into a powerhouse team capable of standing toe-to-toe with the Dodgers.
As the series progresses, the sports world watches closely to see whether the Padres can maintain their lead and eliminate the Dodgers once more. The games highlight not only incredible athletic skills but also the strategic and psychological depth that defines modern baseball rivalries. With every pitch and every swing, the Dodgers and Padres are not just battling for advancement in the postseason but are also fueling a narrative of competition, resilience, and the passionate spirit of the game.