Number One wrote:
Here's a strange but true fact. The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have each existed for over a century, yet this is only the SECOND time that these two teams will meet in the World Series. The only other meeting took place in 1916, when the Red Sox defeated the then-named Brooklyn Robins in that year's Fall Classic. A lot can change in 102 years, but one thing that hasn't is this year's matchup.
The Red Sox, despite a very limited hitting lineup and Chris Sale giving up a plethora of runs, managed to win 108 games this season, which equals to an even two out of every three games won. They won the AL East by eight games over the Yankees, who they would oust from the ALDS in four games. Boston later took care of the then-defending champion Houston Astros in five games in the ALCS, which included Boston winning three straight games in Houston. This is the team's fourth pennant since 2004, and their 14th overall. It is also their first World Series appearance since 2013, which was also the last time they won the Fall Classic.
The Dodgers' road to the World Series actually began by defeating the Rockies in Game 163 to win the NL West. After that, they took care of the Braves in a four game NLDS, and won a classic seven-game NLCS against the Brewers, with two of the four wins (Game Seven being one of them) being in Milwaukee. This is the Dodgers' second straight NL pennant, their 11th since moving to LA, and their 23rd overall. The Dodgers are the first NL franchise to reach back-to-back World Series since the Phillies did so in 2008 (won) and 2009 (lost).
Last year, the Dodgers came up short against the Astros in Game 7, but this will be different. The Astros are a certified powerhouse. The Red Sox...well, considering that even Clayton Kershaw hits better than 2/3 of Boston's lineup, I'd say LA will have no problems this time. Expect the Dodgers to party like it's 1988!
Prediction: Dodgers sweep
#1
Somebody's really bitter today...>;-)
Thanks for the playoff recaps this season!