Pinch hitter Eduardo Nunez hit a three-run home run in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series to give the Boston Red Sox an 8-4 lead in the seventh inning on Tuesday Oct. 23. Boston would go on to take Game 1 and secure a 1-0 lead in the World Series (Courtesy of creative commons).
A battle between two historic franchises will take place in this year’s World Series. The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers will each vie for the pennant in a series that will close out the month of October for baseball fans. While the Dodgers may have favorable odds, Boston looks like they will be crowned the winner by the end of the fall classic.
The Red Sox entered the series as favorites. They have had a historic season with a franchise record 108 wins and have led baseball in several offensive categories like runs, hits and RBIs. The team defeated their arch-rival and last year’s champions—the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros, respectively—en route to their appearance in the championship series. A World Series victory would be Boston’s fourth since 2004 and would cap off a truly incredible season.
The Dodgers have not had as dominant a season as their American league opponent. The team had a respectable 92 wins, but they had to battle back from a ten-game deficit in their division during the first half of the season. The Dodgers clinched the National League West after playing a decisive 163rd game against the Colorado Rockies whom they were tied with atop the division.
The team’s path to their second straight World Series featured wins against the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. They now have their toughest test yet, facing off against baseball’s best team.
With two of the league’s most iconic franchises fighting for the league title, it is safe to assume Major League Baseball could not be happier with this matchup. Especially at a time in the sports universe when both the National Basketball Association and National Football League have jumped past the MLB in national popularity, the match-up could present a profitable windfall for the league.
Both the Dodgers and Red Sox have avid fan bases. Boston obviously plays at historic Fenway Park, which adds allure to the series all on its own; the Dodgers have a history that dates back all the way to their time as the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Both teams have plenty on the line. Los Angeles has not won a World Series since 1988 and if they lose this year, it would be their second straight loss in the title series and would create widespread disappointment among their fan base and the national media.
Boston has plenty of pressure on themselves. After a record 108 wins, the team is considered the favorite to win this series. A loss to the Dodgers would mean their incredible regular season was for nothing. Nobody will remember how well they played in the regular season, they will only comment on how this team could not bring home the pennant and add to the Boston legacy.
One of these teams will have to win this high-powered matchup. As of Wednesday Oct. 24, Boston leads this series after emerging victorious in Game 1 and 2. The Red Sox have been spectacular when at bat with two outs and this was the case on the night of Tuesday Oct. 23 when pinch hitter Eduardo Nunez blasted a three-run homer in the seventh inning to put his team up 8-4. This score would remain until the final out as the Sox took home a win.
The Dodgers have ground to make up. They are going to need to beat the stellar starting pitching of the Red Sox and send some balls out of the park. This Los Angeles team likely won’t be able to outplay the near unbeatable Boston squad. While the Dodgers may steal a game or two at home, the Red Sox will cruise to their fourth World Series title in 15 years.