{
  "id": 8160569,
  "title": "MLB magic numbers: Dodgers NL West kings again; Padres pulling away (9/17/26)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/mlb-magic-numbers-dodgers-nl-west-kings-again-padres-pulling-away-9",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T03:11:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mlb-magic-numbers-dodgers-braves-144425366.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Dodgers have solidified their status as the National League West kings once again. On Thursday, the team secured another 8-2 victory over the Reds, extending their impressive streak of five consecutive division titles and 13 in the past 14 seasons since 2013. With this remarkable accomplishment, the Dodgers are now focused on clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs, with the ultimate goal of securing a third World Series title in a row.\n\nIn other Major League Baseball action on Thursday, the White Sox edged out the Tigers with a 3-1 win, taking a share of first place in the AL Central alongside the Guardians. The Guardians, who claimed the rubber game of a three-game series with Chicago on Wednesday, now hold the third wild-card position.\n\nMeanwhile, the Padres have built a comforting four-game lead over the Diamondbacks for the last NL wild card spot after a 9-2 win at Coors Field. Arizona called it a day for the day, while the AL East-leading Rays have widened their gap over the second-place Yankees to five games with a 10-1 triumph over the Athletics. As Friday approaches, the Tampa Bay Rays are now firmly anchored in the first position in the AL East, with a five-game lead over the Yankees. To clinch the AL East, the Rays only need six more wins; for a playoff spot, they are all set.",
  "summary": "Here are MLB magic numbers, remaining schedules and tiebreakers for contenders through Thurday, Sept. 17 afternoon games:",
  "key_points": [
    "Los Angeles Dodgers secure 8-2 victory over Reds, extending 5-game NL West title streak",
    "Padres build four-game lead over Diamondbacks for NL wild card spot",
    "Tampa Bay Rays widen AL East lead to five games over Yankees"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}