Dodgers defeat Diamondbacks, clinch NL West

Center fielder Matt Kemp celebrates on the field after the Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 7-6, to win the NL West championship and clinch their first playoff berth since 2009.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Relief pitcher Kenley Jansen, left, starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, center, and outfielder Yasiel Puig celebrate in the Dodgers’ clubhouse after clinching a playoff berth with a 7-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers players celebrate in their locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks, 7-6, on Thursday afternoon to clinch the NL West title and their first playoff berth since 2009.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers players take a celebratory dip in the pool beyond the right-field wall at Chase Field in Phoenix after clinching a playoff berth and the NL West title with a 7-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) and catcher A.J. Ellis celebrate with teammates after defeating the Diamondbacks, 7-6, to clinch a playoff berth.  (Matt York / Associated Press)

Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis watches his go-ahead home run against the Diamondbacks in the eighth inning Thursday afternoon at Chase Field in Phoenix.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Hanley Ramirez hits a three-run home run in the third inning against the Diamondbacks as the Dodgers clinch the National League West title and their first playoff berth since 2009 with a victory over Arizona, 7-6.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez gets a high-five from center fielder Matt Kemp after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a victory at Chase Field in Phoenix that clinched the NL West title and a playoff spot.  (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Ricky Nolasco tosses the ball in frustration after giving up an RBI single in the third inning of the Dodgers’ National League West clinching victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt talks with pitcher Ricky Nolasco after the starter gave up six runs to the Diamondbacks during L.A.’s National League West clinching victory over Arizona, 7-6.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)