Dodgers Clinch 2014 NL West Title: Highlights, Twitter Reaction and More

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the playoffs after clinching the National League West title by knocking off the archrival San Francisco Giants, 9-1, Wednesday evening. 

The team’s official Twitter page celebrated the accomplishment, and Fox Sports MLB noted that it was the second straight division title for the Dodgers. The team even got some new shirts to commemorate the feat:

Here is a look at the final out that clinched the division:

Clayton Kershaw fittingly picked up the win in Wednesday’s game to move to an astounding 21-3 record. He is the runaway favorite for the National League Cy Young Award and could even take home the National League MVP trophy. ESPN Stats & Info noted just how historic Kershaw’s season has been, while SportsCenter compiled some of the head-turning numbers on the year:

SportsCenter also pointed out just how impressive the Dodgers have been in overcoming considerable obstacles the past two years:

No division title is complete without a little on-field celebration. It’s even better when it carries over into the locker room and there is champagne involved. The team’s official Twitter account gave an inside glimpse to fans of both celebrations in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday’s game:

As many baseball fans who have come to enjoy Yasiel Puig’s youthful approach to the game would expect, the outfielder had a little fun during the celebration. He certainly deserved to after hitting a home run in the clinching victory:

The Dodgers ganged up on Kershaw as well:

Manager Don Mattingly discussed the prospects of winning the division after his team clinched a spot in the playoffs earlier in the season, via Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times:

“If you're able to do that, you've at least given yourself a chance to play when there's only going to be 10 teams left. If that's your only way, you're good with it. But you feel like winning the division is really what you're here to accomplish."

Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson got in on the celebration through social media, too, and was understandably thrilled with everyone involved with the organization who made this possible:

Next up for the Dodgers are the playoffs, and with Kershaw on the mound and the likes of Puig, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, Matt Kemp and Co. at the plate, there is no ceiling for this team. While fans are certainly looking forward to October, Wednesday was a night for celebrating.