LOS ANGELES -- With all their star power, hefty payroll, and immense expectations, the Los Angeles Dodgers discovered what they truly needed to clinch victory: an edge.

That edge emerged during a challenging stretch of the season marked by injuries and uncertainties. A simple, defiant slogan bubbled up in their group chat, which became their battle cry during the intense Division Series against their archrival, the San Diego Padres: "F--- them all."

In a thrilling winner-take-all Game 5 at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers showcased their resilience, defeating the Padres 2-0.

This victory was thanks to an impressive five-inning performance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, powerful home runs from Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández, and another round of stellar relief pitching.

Despite facing challenges—like a decimated postseason rotation and Freddie Freeman still nursing a painful ankle injury—the Dodgers are set to face the upstart New York Mets.

Game 1 of the National League Championship Series is slated for Sunday.

Manager Dave Roberts reflected on his ninth season with the Dodgers.

He likened this triumph to his unforgettable experience with the Boston Red Sox, who overcame a 3-0 series deficit against the New York Yankees in 2004, and his own Dodgers’ 2020 comeback against the Atlanta Braves.

This win was critical not only because of prior playoff disappointments but also due to their collective determination to beat the Padres.

“I wanted to beat those guys,” said Roberts passionately. “We all wanted to beat those guys really bad.”

On the day of Game 5, Roberts felt an unusual calmness.

Uncertain about Yamamoto's performance and potentially unforeseen challenges, he found peace in the unyielding character of his team, asserting, “I believe in this team more than any team I've had.”

The Dodgers invested heavily this offseason.

They spent over a billion dollars to bolster their roster, bringing in stars like Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández among others.

Despite skepticism from analysts who deemed the Padres as the favorites due to their solid roster, they managed to capture their 11th division title in 12 seasons.

“Eighty percent of the f---ing experts said we were going to lose,” Muncy declared with defiance.

“F--- those guys. We know who we are. We're the f---ing best team in baseball, and we're out there to prove it.”

The team's morale shifted significantly after Game 3.

Kiké Hernández rallied his teammates in a players-only chat, emphasizing the need to dismiss outside noise.

His words resonated particularly with Gavin Lux, who recalled the empowering sentiment: “F--- everybody. Everyone that's not in this clubhouse.”

In Game 5, the Hernandezes delivered on their promise.

Kiké, who has a history of visualizing success, smacked a fastball for a home run in the second inning, giving the Dodgers a lead.

Teoscar followed suit, hitting his own homer later in the game.

“I kept telling myself, 'They brought you here for a reason. They brought you here to play in October,'” Kiké expressed after the win.

His performance was significant, marking his 14th home run in postseason play across 75 games.

Yamamoto rose to the occasion after an impressive offseason signing.

He became the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history with a 12-year, $325 million deal.

Despite shaky starts earlier in the season, the Dodgers witnessed his true caliber on the mound, especially in crucial games.

The Dodgers' bullpen rose to the occasion as well.

They combined to pitch an awe-inspiring stretch of 24 scoreless innings against the Padres.

This marked the third-longest streak in postseason history.

In summation, the Dodgers' fierce determination and camaraderie were on full display.

As Kiké Hernández put it perfectly: “We have a lot of 'F U' in us.”

With this intense spirit, the Dodgers are not just aiming for victory; they are intent on proving they are undeniable champions.

Buckle up, baseball fans; the journey is far from over!