An expansion team in 1993, the Rockies have won four wild-card berths and advanced to the World Series in 2007. But they still have never won the division.

“It’s part of our goal every single year, to win the N.L. West,” General Manager Jeff Bridich said. “I think it would mean a great deal, especially to all these guys that have been fighting together for months and months.

“We’ve got a shot. It’s right here in front of us. It’s a nice place to be. I mean, other than being 10 or 15 games up, this is where you want to be.”

The Rockies’ road was not likely to get any easier here. They were scheduled to face the decorated Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday, and the star rookie Walker Buehler on Wednesday — and they will be doing it without Story, their cleanup hitter.

The Rockies’ starter on Monday, Jon Gray, could not solve the Dodgers’ powerful, versatile offense. He allowed six runs and seven hits and could not get an out in the third inning. It was similar to his performance in the N.L. wild-card game in Arizona last fall, when he gave up four singles, a double, a triple and a homer to the Diamondbacks, who chased him in the second inning.

Gray started on opening day but tumbled to the minors at midseason. His earned run average is 5.07.

“The thing for me is just not thinking about the mechanical stuff when I’m competing,” he said. “That can get in the way. It got in the way a lot tonight. I’ve had it happen to me too many times already. I’m sick of it right now.”

The Dodgers were ready for him, because their roster is constructed to handle every possible opponent. Eight players have hit at least 20 homers this season, and Turner, who missed 50 games with injuries, has slugged .535. Ten active position players have been All-Stars.