Clayton Kershaw provides six strong innings and the bullpen maintains the lead as the Dodgers open their most critical series of the season so far with a win.

At the outset of play on July 4, the San Diego Padres were coming off a 2-4 trip through Cincinnati and Philadelphia and trailed the Los Angeles Dodgers by nine games in the National League West. On Friday night,

Freddy Peralta has been as hot as the weather in the Midwest as of late. Peralta continued his Cy Young efforts with another strong outing on Monday. Peralta went six strong innings, allowing just a single hit and no runs. He struck out six batters and walked three in the game.

RELATED: San Francisco Giants cap season to remember, secure National League West crown on final day For the Johnson family from Redding, Sunday was extra special. Daughter Monet was turning 11.

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto has been named the American League Player of the Week for his performances from Monday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 17.

The headliner of the week in the National League West was the Dodgers sweeping the Padres at Dodger Stadium in the first of two straight weekend meetings between the division’s top two teams. But also of note were the Rockies having the best record in the division for the last seven days,

In one of their worst performances of the season, the Padres beat themselves in a shutout to the Dodgers, which reclaimed first place.

The only team with an easier strength of schedule than the San Diego Padres is the one team that could steal the division from them.