What happened: The final result left Los Angeles ahead 5-1 in the series. The division race moved from clinch watch to closed business by the end of the game.

Why it matters: A title-clinching finish carries more weight than an ordinary September final because it settles the West on the field. The 5-1 series margin also showed clear control of this matchup as the race was being decided.

What to watch: Attention now shifts to how the Dodgers handle the remaining schedule after sealing the division.