What happened: The Los Angeles Dodgers won two of three from the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend, pushing their NL West lead to 5 1/2 games over the San Diego Padres. It is the club's largest division lead of the season. The series win continued a dominant stretch against a Phillies club they also held off 4-2 at Chavez Ravine on May 30.
Why it matters: The cushion gives the Dodgers meaningful breathing room atop the division as the Padres try to stay within striking distance. A multi-game lead this early shapes the pace of the NL West race and reduces the margin San Diego can afford to lose over the summer. It also reinforces Los Angeles as the team to beat in the National League.
By the numbers: Los Angeles owns a plus-129 run differential, the best mark in the majors. The 5 1/2-game NL West lead is the Dodgers' largest of the season.
What to watch: Watch whether the Padres can close the gap in upcoming head-to-head meetings, and whether the Dodgers' run differential continues to pace the league.