Diamondbacks–Dodgers rivalry

The rivalry was often dormant for the Diamondbacks' earlier years in the league following their inception in 1998, however things quickly began to heat up between both sides during the 2010s as the Dodgers saw a change in management in 2011 after controversial owner Frank McCourt had sold the team.[4] Eventually the Dodgers found their return to the postseason as their strength in competition found new life under different management.[5] The first notable moment of animosity between the two teams took place in September of 2011 when both teams began hitting one another with inside pitches, including a notable moment where Clayton Kershaw was ejected on September 13 for throwing a fastball at Arizona outfielder Gerardo Parra's shoulder. The two would continue engaging in aggressive confrontations as the 2012 season would see more retaliatory acts on both sides.[6] During the 2013 season as both teams were engaged in a heated battle for second place of the division; the two sides engaged in a large scuffle on June 13, after Diamondbacks' pitcher Ian Kennedy drilled Dodgers' outfielder Yasiel Puig in the face with a pitch. Dodgers' then-pitcher Zack Greinke retaliated by hitting Arizona catcher Miguel Montero while at bat; resulting in both benches clearing in a massive brawl after Kennedy threw a pitch at Greinke the next inning.[7] Kennedy was suspended 10 games for the hit, however; Puig and Greinke received a fine for their part.[8]

On September 19, 2013 following a win in Arizona, The Dodgers managed a victory after having clinched the division and eliminating the Diamondbacks. Much to the anger of the Diamondbacks and fans alike; numerous Dodgers' players jumped into the outfield pool at Chase Field. Allegedly; stadium management had warned Dodger personnel against celebrating the win onfield due to the tensions between the two teams.[9] Diamondbacks' then-CEO Derrick Hall expressed anger at the gesture by the Dodgers, proclaiming: "I could call it disrespectful and classless, but they don't have a beautiful pool at their old park and must have really wanted to see what one was like".[10]

2017: First Playoff Matchup

The Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw and the Diamondbacks' Zach Greinke were both finalists for the Cy Young award in 2017.

Tensions continued to run high during multiple matchups in the years prior, rather ironically on December 8, 2015; Zack Greinke would sign a six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks in free agency. By 2017; both teams had managed to secure playoff berths as the Diamondbacks finished with 93 wins while the Dodgers finished with 104, leading the division and the league. After beating the Rockies in the Wild Card Game; the Diamondbacks were set to face the Dodgers in the NLDS.[11] Despite Arizona's best efforts; they were no match for the Dodgers' copious batting core as they fell in a 3 game sweep.[12]

As of 2023, the Dodgers currently lead the rivalry 254-191, on top of a 3-0 lead in the postseason.

• Cardinals–Rams rivalry

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