Dodgers are in a tight race to secure first-round home-field advantage

As late L.A. sports figure Al Davis used to say: “Just win, baby.”

Whether the Giants are right on their tail or dust in the review mirror, the Dodgers need to remain focused on winning each game.

Sure, their 7 1/2-game lead appears comfortable, yet even if it is, there remains a tangible reason to finish with the best record possible. Their likely first-round opponent is the Mets. And the Dodgers should very much want to finish with a better record than the Mets to secure home-field advantage.

The Dodgers currently lead the Mets by a half-game, one game in the loss column.

This is no incidental factor. The Mets are 45-24 at home and 35-37 on the road. The Dodgers have struggled on the road all season, going 47-21 at Dodger Stadium and just 33-39 away from Chavez Ravine.

So beyond continuing to win just to keep the momentum rolling into the postseason, the Dodgers need to win to open their first-round series at home.

Almost everyone on the team hits and pitches better at home, even the superstars. At home, Clayton Kershaw is 9-2 with a 1.41 ERA. On the road he is 4-4 and 2.82.

After winning five consecutive games, the Dodgers have dropped two straight. It’s hardly panic time, but it is time to stay focused and recognize there is something to play for, regardless of how far back the Giants are.

The Diamondbacks have had a rough year, but nothing would make their sun-dried hearts happier than spoiling some element to the Dodgers’ season.