Tommy Lasorda and some of the Dodgers' babies took part in the fun after their NL West clinch
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The Dodgers beat the Giants, 4-2, on Friday night at Dodger Stadium thanks to Rich Hill's arm (and his bat) and a three-run homer by rookie phenom Cody Bellinger -- and in doing so, wrapped up their fifth consecutive National League West title. Five straight. That's consistency.
Not only was Friday the Dodgers' return home after a lengthy road trip, but it was also a festive occasion as franchise icon and current special advisor to the chairman Tommy Lasorda celebrated his 90th birthday. The longtime manager was honored before the game with a great ceremony featuring speeches from some other Dodgers legends and Commissioner Rob Manfred ... but what do you suppose Lasorda did after the game? Well, he was part of the celebration, that's what:
It's worth noting that in 2016, the Dodgers clinched the NL West on a walk-off homer from Charlie Culberson that just so happened to take place on Vin Scully's final home game, making that homer Scully's final call at Dodger Stadium. That's the flair for the dramatic mentioned earlier.
Before the clubhouse revelry got going, reliever Kenley Jansen put an exclamation point on things by striking out Jarrett Parker and Ryder Jones to close things out and set off some on-field fun, starting with a hug between manager Dave Roberts and bench coach Bob Geren:
The banner was raised:
Clayton Kershaw was happy:
It was a family affair, too:
Back in the clubhouse, smiles were everywhere:
And also more babies!
Jansen delivered a rousing clubhouse pep talk, too:
A grand evening in Los Angeles, for sure.