Our first do-or-die game involving a division winner here this postseason is set for Friday night in Dodger Stadium. The last time the Padres and Dodgers squared off, there was plenty of drama that did not involve the scoreboard (which only furthers this blossoming rivalry).

Game 5 of the National League Division Series has all the pre-set narratives of a classic: bitter rivals, superstar players and managers who can’t wait to get to their bullpens. The winner gets to play the New York Mets in a coast-to-coast National League Championship Series.