Sarah’s Take: Dodgers show great resiliency

On a hot Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, when Vin Scully broadcasted the final home game of his magnificent 67-year career, a 10th-inning home run by unlikely hero Charlie Culberson clinched the fourth straight National League West Division title for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The contribution by Culberson symbolizes what has gone on for the Dodgers all year. From the beginning of Spring Training, injuries have threatened to decimate the team’s hopes for a playoff berth, but somehow an unknown player would deliver a necessary lift, enabling the Dodgers to dream of playing in October.

First-year manager Dave Roberts wouldn’t let the Dodgers give up on themselves no matter how bad the situation looked. He constantly hollered encouragement from the dugout. At times this season Roberts wouldn’t know who would make a start until the game before. He didn’t panic as injuries forced him to use 15 different starters.

Roberts’ extraordinary communication skills allowed for this improbable division title. He used players in unfamiliar roles, but no one complained. In the bullpen, whose ERA is the best in the NL, only Kenley Jansen has the same role he had at the beginning of the season.

Although the Dodgers bullpen has pitched the most innings in the league, no reliever seems tired. Since 2013, the bullpen was a weakness, but in this unforgettable season it has been a strength that the Dodgers …

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