They needed three attempts in four years, but Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series Champions once again. Dodgers secured their first title in 32 years with a 1-3 win over Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.
It didn’t start well for the Dodgers, however.
Entering the elimination Game 6, Rays were determined to give Dodgers a run for their money and managed to get on the scoreboard in the first inning. Tampa Bay’s sensation Randy Arozarena hit a beautiful solo home run to give Rays the lead and add up to his postseason homers record.
Carried by a sensational run from starter Blake Snell, Rays managed to keep the lead but failed to extend it. Dodgers’ bullpen put up an impressive performance when it needed the most, with relievers Dylan Floro, Alex Wood, Pedro Baez, and Victor Gonzalez managing to retire 13 out of 14 batters they have come across.
The key moment in the contest took place in the sixth when Rays’ manager decided to pull out Snell despite his astonishing output until that moment. The 2018’s AL Cy Young Award winner had a 2.70 ERA up to that point, allowing two hits while striking out nine batters.
Snell’s replacement Nick Anderson quickly undid everything the Rays did up to that point. Austin Barnes scored on a wild pitch, while Mookie Betts got a double to put up Dodgers ahead.
Betts added a solo homer in the eighth inning while lefty Julio Urias pitched a save to kickstart a big celebration.
Shortstop Corey Seager took home the World Series MVP award after finishing the series with two home runs, five RBIs, and six walks while being .400 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.”
