The Los Angeles Dodgers are the champions of the World Series. They made an incredible comeback from a 5-0 deficit tonight, with some help from the Yankees’ defense, to win 7-6 in five games. This victory marks the first time a team has ever come back from a five-run deficit in a World Series clincher. As expected, Freddie Freeman was named the Series MVP.
This is the Dodgers’ second title in the last five seasons. Due to pandemic restrictions in 2020, their celebration was limited, but this time they will be able to host a parade. The Dodgers were the top team in MLB during the regular season, earning 98 wins and outscoring opponents by 179 runs. Despite concerns about their injured pitching staff heading into October, they proved themselves on their way to the championship.
Their journey to the championship faced challenges, with the Dodgers nearly being eliminated in the Division Series against the Padres. After falling behind 2-1 in the series, they managed to blank the Padres in consecutive games to advance. They then went on to win the NL Championship Series against the Mets.
Freeman’s grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series and key hits throughout the series helped the Dodgers secure the title. Despite a scare in Game 2 and a tough battle with the Yankees, the Dodgers emerged victorious.
Ultimately, the Dodgers took control in the eighth inning of the final game to secure their eighth title in franchise history. Freeman, Betts, and Kelly are among the players who now have multiple championships. The Dodgers now sit tied for fifth on the all-time leaderboard for World Series wins.
*Hernández was traded midseason in 2017, after being part of the Astros.
Image courtesy of Imagn.