Dodgers go for a swim in the D-backs pool

The Dodgers clinched first place in the National League West today in Phoenix by beating Arizona 7-6. Hanley Ramirez hit two home runs as the Dodgers secured a post-season spot for the first time since 2009. They don't know yet who they will play or where they will start the first series. This is the earliest the Dodgers have secured first place since they were in Brooklyn and clinched the National League pennant on September 8, 1955. In those days, pennant winners went right into the World Series. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees that year in seven games.

After the post-game champagne and beer celebration in the clubhouse, some of the Dodgers ran back onto the field and frolicked in the pool in the outfield stands. Some of the Diamondbacks players and executives were not amused and said so. "I would expect them to act with a little more class than they did. I doubt the New York Yankees would do something like that," D-backs infielder Willie Bloomquist said. "They have a lot of veteran players on their team. I thought they had more class than that." But the Dodgers shrugged off the criticism. "I've never seen a celebration where everyone isn't boisterous and enthusiastic," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said.

Dodgers photo of Adrian Gonzalez and Matt Kemp by Jon SooHoo