This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/padres as Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Downplays Win Over Padres: 'It's a Game in August'. Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw held the stance he took before the Dodgers' series against the San Diego Padres, keeping his eyes on October.

"He has a way of elevating people's focus and play. And so to have him tonight, first game of this series, he's the perfect guy."

For at least one night, the Dodgers found it.

Now, with 1 1/2 months left in the season, it's all tied up.

"The Padres should've beat the Dodgers last year and should've gone to the World Series," Parker said.