Peerless in the NL, Dodgers have open road back to World Series

PHILADELPHIA – Clear your schedules for late October. Save up for tickets.Because the Dodgers are heading back to the World Series.It’s becoming harder and harder to imagine the Dodgers not winning the pennant, especially after they claimed a couple of wins in their three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies this week.From a matchup standpoint, the Phillies are the greatest obstacle the Dodgers could encounter on their way to their third consecutive World Series appearance.And the Dodgers thrashed them this week.At Citizens Bank Park.Without any of their projected playoff starters pitching.In a series the Phillies were more desperate to win, as they are in second place in the NL East.By the time the Dodgers sealed a 9-5 victory in the series finale on Wednesday, there was no question of who was the better team.If the Phillies can’t stop them in the NL, who will?The Atlanta Braves? They don’t have the pitching.The Milwaukee Brewers?They also might not have the pitching, and their lineup is more or less the same as it was last year when it didn’t have a chance against the Dodgers’ collection of frontline arms.The Braves and Brewers would have to acquire Tarik Skubal by the Aug.3 trade deadline to even have a chance.One high-ranking official of a rival team said of the Dodgers this week: “They have as complete a roster as I’ve ever seen.

They don’t have any weaknesses.”The Dodgers’ already-solid bullpen is about to get back its closer, as Edwin Diaz is expected to be activated on Tuesday when the team opens a three-game series at home against the Seattle Mariners.Utilityman Kiké Hernández, who is on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, could also return in the Mariners series.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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