We've grown accustomed to seeing a powerhouse atop the National League West. The Dodgers led the majors in wins in 2024, won 100 games in 2023, led the majors in wins in 2022, won 106 games -- trailing only the Giants -- in 2021, led the majors in wins in 2020 and led the National League in wins with 106 in 2019.

The easy assumption heading into this season was that it would be more of the same. That is to say that the overriding sentiment was the Dodgers would either lead the majors in wins or someone in the West, like the Giants in 2021, would have to go crazy in order to topple them.

The Padres emerged early as the team that might be, hopefully (in the eyes of many), up to the task.

It's September now and both teams are limping toward the finish line. Both the Giants and Diamo

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