Dodgers crowned MLB World Series champions
By Jeremy Platt, Staff Writer
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been crowned MLB World Series Champions. After a shortened 60-game regular season, the MLB followed the NBA’s lead and made a bubble to eliminate potential COVID-19 breakouts for the playoffs.
The playoffs began in early October. Both the American League (AL) and the National League (NL) had eight teams in the playoffs, with each conference having their own bubble. The AL isolated their teams in California and the NL in Texas. The bubble proved to be an effective strategy for the MLB, as there were no COVID-19 outbreaks, except for Dodgers’ third baseman, Justin Turner, who tested positive for the virus during the last game of the World Series.
For the first time in MLB history, both of the conference championship series went to game seven. The Rays defeated the Houston Astros, with the MVP of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) being Rays right fielder Randy Arozarena. The Dodgers came back against the Atlanta Braves after previously trailing the series three games to one. The MVP of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) was Dodgers’ shortstop Corey Seager. Dodgers’ outfielder Cody Bellinger hit the game winning homerun against the Braves in game seven to put the Dodgers in the World Series.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays were both number one seeds in their conference and ended up meeting in the World Series. The Rays have never won an MLB World Series, while the Dodgers have not won since 1988. While the Rays have not been to the World Series since 2008, the Dodgers have gone to the World Series in three out of the past four seasons.
Despite being a rookie, Arozarena broke the record for most hits in a single playoff run with 27 hits. Dodgers’ third baseman Justin Turner broke their franchise record for most homeruns in the playoffs with 12. Both teams were loaded with one star player after another, and the series went back and forth until the Dodgers were able to come out victorious in six games.
The most entertaining game of the series was game four. The game came down to the final at bat. Coming into the bottom of the ninth inning, the Dodgers were up by one run and the Rays needed to win the game, or else they would trail in the series three games to one. Closing the game for the Dodgers was pitcher Kenley Jansen, who had struggled in the regular season, but is considered an all-time great. The Dodgers needed one more strike to close the game, but the Rays had a man on first and second base. Hitting for the Rays was right fielder Brett Phillips, who had not had a hit the entire game. Phillips hit the ball into center field and Dodgers’ outfielder Chris Taylor had an easy play to keep the hit to a single. Taylor made an error and dropped the ball which allowed the Rays to tie up the game. Taylor was able to get the ball to catcher Will Smith who muffed the catch, allowing the Rays to score the game winning run. Dodgers fans were extremely disappointed, including Samo varsity baseball third baseman Joey Riccarduli (’21).
“The whole team played like they were in tee-ball. With the series tied at two [games] a piece, I was very uncertain as to the direction that the next game would go. I had faith in the Dodgers though, as any loyal fan should,” Riccarduli said.
The Dodgers ended up winning the series after pulling off back-to-back wins in games five and six. It was their first World Series win since 1988, with Seager winning World Series MVP. While the Dodgers were not able to celebrate in their home stadium, they were able to pop champagne in the bubble. One player who was not able to celebrate was Justin Turner, as he tested positive for COVID-19 in the bottom of the eighth inning. While that news is unfortunate, Dodgers fans like Samo varsity second baseman, Gil Nahass (’21) are still happy that the Dodgers brought a trophy back to Los Angeles.
“It genuinely feels so great after four long years of waiting, the Dodger finally brought it home,” Nahass said.
Featured Art by Isabella Rodriguez, Staff Writer