Dodgers’ Magic Number Shrinks as Padres Suffer Brutal Loss to White Sox

Sep 13, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) reacts after walking a batter during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | David Frerker-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the National League West division is down to five following the San Diego Padres’ loss to the Chicago White Sox on Friday.

The Padres lost, 4-3, against the White Sox, failing to mount a comeback after trailing for most of the game.

Dylan Cease gave up four runs across six innings. He had six strikeouts but faced a lot of traffic on the base paths, allowing four hits and three walks.

The bullpen was phenomenal again for the Padres, though it was the offense that did not hold up its end of the bargain.

The Dodgers still play against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, which could drop the number to four if they pick up the victory.

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Clayton Kershaw is stepping on the mound for the Dodgers on Friday in his final regular-season home start. The legend has been effective this season, avoiding runs and providing several quality starts.

The Dodgers can’t get a seed higher than third, meaning they will play in the Wild Card round. Los Angeles can secure home-field advantage in the first round with the division crown.

After their current series against the Giants, the Dodgers head to Arizona and Seattle for two three-game series before the start of the playoffs.

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.