The Los Angeles Dodgers had been patient with Walker Buehler. He had struggled with his command for most of the season. On Thursday night, fans witnessed a more confident version of Buehler take the mound.

Buehler allowed one run and recorded one strikeout over five innings. The right-hander spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportNet LA about what helped him on the mound.

“Nothing really. I knocked one guy down,” Buehler shouted as he was showered with champagne. “I’ve had a tough year. There’s one thing I’ve always hung my hat on: pitching in big games.”

As the season progressed, it became clear that Buehler was not ready for the postseason. It was a troubling sight to see a potential Game 3 starter look so unprepared for the challenge that loomed in October.

Fans even doubted the Dodgers would win the series finale against the Padres with Buehler on the mound. He proved them wrong, but Buehler’s candid words about his struggles this season show how much he wanted to create a new and improved version of himself.

“For us this is a play-off match. The number two team in the division – us, who kind of keeps our destiny if we win the game, we win the division – that’s what gets me going,” Buehler told AM 570 LA Sports. “I’m ecstatic. The team has carried me and made me tread water for a long time, and it’s a nice feeling to have a good feeling.”

The series with the Padres was essentially a practice run for the playoffs. Buehler’s performance proved he’s ready to take on hitters in October.

“This is what I live for,” Buehler said.

The Dodgers have overcome an unprecedented number of injuries this season. A depleted Dodgers rotation has carried the team to the postseason and will be asked to keep jumping through hurdles in October.

This season has been anything but easy for Buehler and the entire Dodgers clubhouse. But adversity strengthens teams in many ways.

For now, fans can celebrate the Dodgers reaching the National League West division. This performance marked the Dodgers’ 11th division title in the last 12 years. It is nothing new for the club.

But soon the Dodgers will have to continue the uphill battle in October. The team has had a chip on its shoulder for most of the season. The Dodgers will have to use that to prevail again.