Buehler allowed just one run through five innings against the Padres. His 71-pitch outing is what the Dodgers were hoping to see from the right-hander.

After coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler has posted a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts. The 30-year-old pitcher has an 18.6 percent strikeout rate. His numbers aren’t reminiscent of the lights-out pitcher that he once was. 

However, a new version of Buehler emerged Thursday night.

As Buehler was doused in champagne, he was frank when SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson asked the right-hander what worked for him on the mound Thursday night.

“Nothing really. I punched out one guy,” Buehler said lightheartedly. “I’ve had a rough year. There’s one thing I’ve kind of always hung my hat on is pitching in big games.”

He said what most Dodgers fans had been thinking all season long. Buehler has struggled, it’s true. But Thursday night in the biggest game of the year, he looked better than he has all season.

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

Either Buehler or rookie Landon Knack will likely be the third starter of a diminished Dodgers rotation for October.

Despite his struggles this season, the Dodgers still believed Buehler could play an important October role for the team.

On Thursday night, Buehler reminded everybody of the kind of pitcher he is.

“This is a playoff game for us. The number-2 team in the division – us, kind of keeping 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 let me tread water for a long time, and it’s a nice feeling to have a good one.”

The club earned their 11th division title in the last 12 years. It’s evident the Dodgers are no stranger to this feat, but something was different Thursday night.

The team oozed with an energy and passion that fans have been desperate to see from players. It was a big moment and the Dodgers embraced it.