What an amazing world series to wrap up a phenomenal baseball season this year! The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays faced off in a spectacular battle for the title. The Dodgers began their playoff run by sweeping the Brewers in 2 games to win their first series. They also swept the Padres in 3 games winning their last game 12 to 3. They then faced the Atlanta Braves and were down 3 to 1 in the series before coming back to win the series. The Rays started out by beating the New York Yankees in a very close 5 game series. They then went up 3 to 0 on the Houston Astros before the Astros crawled back into the series forcing a game 7 where the Rays were able to win 4 to 2 to earn their spot into the world series.
The Dodgers came out on top in a 6 game series. In game one, with Clayton Kershaw (star pitcher for the Dodgers) on the mound, the Dodgers were able to easily take care of the Rays winning 8 to 3. In game 2, the Rays were in control for most of the game leading to a 6 to 4 victory. The Dodgers were able to clinch game 3 with 2 run rallies in both the 3rd and 4th inning leading to a 6 to 2 victory.
Game 4 was a stunning back and forth game, with the Dodgers going up 2 to 0 early, followed by the Rays going up 5 to 4 after 6 innings, and the Dodgers being up 7 to 6 going into the 9th inning. The Dodgers had 2 outs with Brett Philips, who had only batted twice in the entire postseason, at the plate and men on 1st and 2nd. He struck a base hit to center field which easily scored the man on second. The center fielder, Chris Taylor, fumbled the baseball which allowed for Arozerana (the man on 1st base) to sprint for home before tripping and falling halfway between third base and home plate. First baseman Max Muncy was unable to make the throw to home however allowing Arozarena to be safe at home plate, winning the game for the Rays.
The series was tied up going into game 5, and with Kershaw on the mound once again the Dodgers were able to clinch the game winning 4 to 2, putting them one game away from a world series. In game six, the dodgers had a shaky start with their starting pitcher, Tony Gonsulon, giving up 1 run in the first and being pulled from the game. Meanwhile, Rays Pitcher Blake Snell pitched a fantastic game through 5 and ⅓ innings, only giving up 2 hits and no runs, fooling the unbelievably talented Dodgers lineup time and time again. Rays general manager, Kevin Cash, made the questionable decision to take Snell out of the game and bring in Nick Anderson.
“Once he came out it was like everybody could breathe again,” said Dodger star Mookie Betts.
After Snell was out of the game the Dodgers rallied, scoring 2 runs in the 6th inning to take the lead. Mookie Betts then smashed a home run into center field giving the Dodgers a two run lead. The Dodgers relief pitching held strong, with Julio Urias closing out the last 7 outs for the Dodgers. They won game 6 3 to 1, clinching the world series title.
Corey Seager was named the MVP of the world series, who was hitting at .400 for the world series (averaging hits 4 out of 10 at bats).
“It was absolutely phenomenal. This team was incredible,” said Seager. “We never stopped. We were ready to go as soon as the bell was called. Once it did, we kept rolling. You can’t say enough about what we did this season.”
This is the first championship that the Dodgers have won since 1988, ending a 32 year drought. The Dodgers have been arguably the best team in the league for the last few years, making their way to the world series 3 of the last 4 years (including their victory this year).
“I can’t believe that the Dodgers won after being in the playoffs the past 3 years and getting beat by the Astros and fighting back this year from them being down 3 to 1 against the Braves. It was great to see the Dodgers win!” said Freshman Brodie Ricci.
The wait is over for Dodger fans everywhere, and they can finally celebrate a world series win. With the Lakers also winning the NBA finals, 2020 has been a great year for LA sports.
