For the first time since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers have won the MLB World Series, beating the Tampa Bay Rays. Led by Manager Dave Roberts, the Dodgers defeated the Rays in a series that lasted six games and triumphed in a 4-2 win.
This year was very different compared to others, not just because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that the entire series was being played at a neutral site for the first time ever, and the first time since 1944 that a World Series was played strictly at one ballpark.
Game one consisted of the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning, which set the tone for the rest of the game and led LA to a big win, 8-3, to begin the series on a high note.
Game two favored the Rays with Brandon Lowe hitting two home runs. One of which included a second run from a filled base. The final was 6-4 and the series became tied up.
Game three fell back into the Dodgers’ favor after defeating the Rays 6-2 led by Justin Turner and Austin Barnes, who hit solo homeruns to expand their lead and put the game out of reach for the Rays.
Game four was the last game that had Tampa Bay come out on the winning end. It ended on an error by LA, which led Randy Arozarena to slide home in the final inning giving the Rays an 8-7 win and tying the series 2-2.
In game five, Joc Pederson hit a solo homer for LA, while Mookie Betts hit a double followed by an infield hit from Cody Bellinger to expand the lead to 3 and led to a 4-2 Dodger win.
Game six was the do-or-die game for the Rays. They struck first with a solo homer by Randy Azorena, but that would be the last of the scoring for Tampa. Pitcher Nick Anderson gave up a double to Betts, which led to a wild pitch with Corey Seager at bat. That play let Austin Barnes and Betts score to take the lead in the sixth inning.
Mookie Betts sealed the series win for LA by hitting a solo homer in the 8th making the final score 3-1. Also, during the 8th, LA’s third baseman Justin Turner was pulled from the game after testing positive for COVID-19. Turner, who was asymptomatic, later joined the celebration with the rest of the team. Although he did wear a mask, he was in violation of the league’s protocols and apologized for the incident on Nov. 6.
The Dodgers won the 2017 and 2018 National League Pennants before losing both World Series. The first loss went to the Houston Astros, who were later caught cheating, and the Boston Red Sox in 2018. This is the first World Series title for the Dodgers in 32 years. Shortstop Andrew Seager was named the Most Valuable Player after batting .328 in the 18 postseason games.