The Los Angeles Dodgers led MLB in wins (104) in 2017, but saw their season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion with a Game 7 World Series loss to the Houston Astros. This year’s Dodgers team has had their flaws and won “just” 92 games in the regular season, but they’re going to get the opportunity to do what the 2017 juggernaut squad couldn’t.
The Dodgers advanced to the World Series for the second straight year with a 5-1 victory over the Brewers in Game 7 of the NLCS on Saturday in Milwaukee.
Los Angeles scored all five of their runs thanks to the longball, beginning with a Cody Bellinger two-run homer in the second:
C
DY. pic.twitter.com/pYVHgtdfso — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 21, 2018
And followed by a three-run homer from Yasiel Puig against Jeremy Jeffress with two outs in the sixth (cementing a brutal postseason from Jeffress after he had a remarkable regular season):
Lucky charm. pic.twitter.com/zhSbqWrjtu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 21, 2018
In the run prevention department, the Dodgers excelled, thanks to Walker Buehler (4 2/3), Julio Urias (1/3), Ryan Madson (1 2/3), Kenley Jansen (1 1/3), and Clayton Kershaw (1 IP) combining to give up just one earned run, zero walks, and striking out 14 batters.
The pitching staff also got some help from the Dodgers’ defense, like on this incredible catch from Chris Taylor to rob Christian Yelich of a game-tying extra-base hit in the fifth.
EXHALE. pic.twitter.com/de5G5qfUBR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 21, 2018
So, now we have what should be a very entertaining Dodgers-Red Sox World Series, beginning on Tuesday night at Fenway Park. The Red Sox — owners of MLB’s best record this season — enter the series as the favorites.
More opening World Series odds (@5Dimes):
Dodgers +110
Red Sox -130— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) October 21, 2018