What happened: Fifth straight NL West crown was sealed Sept. 17 with an 8-2 win over Cincinnati. Los Angeles now opens October chasing a third consecutive championship.

Why it matters: Los Angeles entered the postseason as back-to-back champions. A fifth straight West title keeps the defense on a division-winner path.

What to watch: The postseason bracket sets the first opponent and rotation order. The division series opens the three-peat bid.