SAN DIEGO — The Los Angeles Dodgers are excited, anticipating what Friday night has in store, just like any typical Angeleno.

During their last matchup at Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers’ fans expressed their displeasure by booing, heckling, and throwing cans onto the field, particularly targeting Padres star Manny Machado.

Now, they find themselves facing off one last time this season on Friday for a high-stakes Game 5 after the Dodgers dominated with an 8-0 victory, forcing the decider.

The winner will advance to the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, while the losing team will be left to ponder their missed chance at the World Series.

“It’s going to be a highly emotional game, winner-take-all,” Dodgers center fielder Kevin Kiermaier told YSL News Sports. “Both teams are fueled by a fierce rivalry. I understand the stakes. I know the feelings in our clubhouse toward them and vice versa.

“It’s exciting, especially in October. The atmosphere will be electric.”

As for Machado, who has become the target of Dodgers fans’ ire?

“Oh boy,” said Kiermaier. “Dodger fans have been booing him since the first two games, and with this being a winner-take-all match, I anticipate they’ll make their voices heard even more.

“We need all the support we can get, and the crowd’s energy will be crucial. I expect Dodger fans to start loud from the get-go.”

The Dodgers have been urging their supporters to maintain good sportsmanship, reminding them that the best form of revenge is to secure a victory on the field.

“I think it’s going to be incredibly lively,” said Max Muncy, who filled in at first base for Freddie Freeman during Game 2. “Let’s see how it unfolds.”

What’s the team’s advice for fans?

“Bring the energy, that’s all I’m going to say,” Muncy mentioned. “Be smart about it. I expect a really vibrant atmosphere. All four games so far have been extremely vibrant, both at home and away, far more than in recent years.

We’ll soon discover how Machado handles the heat after he angered Dodgers fans in Game 2 by tossing a ball towards their dugout between innings, which infuriated Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He even submitted the footage to the MLB for review to consider whether Machado should face punishment. MLB opted not to penalize him.

Fans expressed their frustration towards Machado and outfielders Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jurickson Profar by hurling objects onto the field during the game, resulting in a 10-minute interruption.

“It’s going to be thrilling,” said three-time Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw. “San Diego fans can be wild. I expect Dodger fans to respond similarly. I just hope we avoid any delays like before, but we definitely want that energy and atmosphere.

“When it’s a winner-take-all situation, whether in the Division Series or World Series, it’s an exciting time. It’ll be a spectacle.”

Machado, who did not get a hit in four attempts with two strikeouts on Wednesday, assures he isn’t concerned about the incoming crowd reaction.

“I genuinely enjoy playing baseball,” Machado expressed. “We go out, have fun, and give it our all for every play, game in and game out.

“The crowd support at home has been outstanding this year. I have no doubt that their crowd will be incredible for them.”

The Padres were eager to celebrate in front of their own fans, with 47,773 supporters hoping for a victory against their rivals on Wednesday.

“I’m already pumped for Friday,” shared Padres manager Mike Shildt. “How exciting will that be?”

The Dodgers feel the same way, having survived one elimination game and looking to repeat the performance for the first time since 2021.

“During the regular season, everything tends to be more calculated,” Roberts stated, “but in the postseason, it’s a gritty battle. It’s about who wants it more.

“We knew it would be a tough road. Nothing comes easy. We have to play the hand we’re dealt, and that’s what we’ve been doing. Witnessing my guys navigate through challenges and respond like this makes me look forward to Game 5.”

The Dodgers trust their strong offense will propel them, particularly with Mookie Betts overcoming his three-year postseason slump. Betts struggled, going 3-for-44 in his last 12 postseason games, but since arriving in Petco Park after two games, he has greatly improved with a 4-for-9 showing and has hit home runs in his first at-bat in consecutive games.

“I had to disconnect from social media because it was all negative,” Betts remarked.

“I wanted to fill myself with positive energy, and my teammates were fantastic in helping boost my confidence,” said Muncy.

Muncy added, “I understand he has faced challenges during the postseason, yet he remains one of baseball’s finest. He went through a tough phase, but it’s crucial for him to shake that off. I remind him, ‘Hey, you’re also making $400 million, buddy. You’re still among the elite in baseball.’ At times, everyone just needs a nudge to remember their worth.”

The Padres, boasting three players with salaries over $250 million, will feature Yu Darvish on the mound. Darvish allowed only three hits and one run over seven innings in the Padres’ convincing 10-2 victory on Sunday.

When asked about his level of trust in Darvish, Shildt answered immediately.

“He’s been outstanding,” Shildt remarked. “How much confidence do I have? He has (204) wins in his career, has pitched for many years, faced major challenges, and performed well in international matches in that stadium. He’s one of the top pitchers of this era.”

With four games played and one intense match left, this night could be etched in the history of the Dodgers-Padres rivalry.