The L.A. Dodgers fought back from a 3-1 series deficit in the National League Championship Series Sunday to barely defeat the Atlanta Braves. This victory paved the way for them to make their third World Series appearance in the last four seasons. L.A. is the first team to do this since the 2000-2003 New York Yankees.
They will face the tough Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Tampa defeated the Houston Astros in a seven-game series in the American League Championship.
Though they have won eight-straight NL West titles, the Dodgers haven’t been able to get the job done in the playoffs. The Dodgers have not won the World Series since their five-game upset against the Oakland Athletics in 1988 with the help of renowned outfielder Kirk Gibson.
Their best shot came in their 2017 matchup against the Astros when they lost in seven games. They returned to the Fall Classic in 2018 to face the Boston Red Sox and only won one game. Their sole victory was the 18-inning Game 3 that marked the longest game in World Series history at seven hours and 20 minutes. Infielder Max Muncy bombed a solo home run to finish it for the Dodgers.
The difference this year for the Dodgers is the addition of former MVP and four-time Gold Glove Award winner Mookie Betts, who is known for his defensive performance as a right fielder. He previously played for Boston and was a part of their championship team in 2018. Betts has made multiple crucial catches for the Dodgers defense during this postseason.
Winning a title during an unprecedented pandemic with a shortened season, expanded playoff bracket and no home-field advantage would be a testament to the strength of this team.
“2017 happened, 2018 happened, last year we fell short. Now we’re back,” Dodgers infielder Enrique Hernández said during his press conference Sunday. “The past is in the past. I’m not going to take anything away from the other two, but this one is extremely special.”
The Dodgers begin their battle for the Commissioner’s Trophy against the Rays on Tuesday at 5 p.m. PT.