LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League pennant on Wednesday, winning the NLCS to return to the World Series after a dominant postseason run through the National League bracket.

The Dodgers entered the NLCS as favourites after sweeping their Division Series opponent in October. Manager Dave Roberts leaned on a deep rotation and a lineup anchored by Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts throughout the Championship Series. Los Angeles's bullpen, a weakness earlier in the year, held firm in the decisive games to protect narrow leads.

The pennant sets up a World Series opening later this month, with the Dodgers seeking to defend their status as a perennial contender. Major League Baseball confirmed the Fall Classic schedule would follow the completion of both league Championship Series.

"This group never stopped believing," Roberts told reporters after the clinching win at Dodger Stadium. "We earned the right to play for a championship, and that's all we ever wanted."