Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — 2020 memories are heavy in the air this week. We just got done with Randy Arozarena and his hijinks earlier in the week, and now his former team comes rolling into town for a weekend series. I’m sure more than a few fans of the Dodgers will be reflecting on that weird and wacky season in which the Dodgers were finally triumphant, but none of us were able to really enjoy it. At least not live anyway. The Dodgers’ ending a 32-year championship drought provided a moment of joy during a challenging year. This victory marked the Dodgers’ seventh World Series title in franchise history and their first since 1988, an achievement celebrated not just by the players, but by the fans who had endured years of near-misses and postseason heartbreaks.
A Season Like No Other
The 2020 MLB season was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was shortened to 60 games, and the playoffs were expanded to accommodate more teams. This unprecedented setup posed unique challenges for every team, including the Dodgers. Despite the uncertainty, the Dodgers navigated the season with remarkable resilience, finishing with the best record in baseball at 43-17.
With the reduced schedule, the league added an additional round of playoffs for the Dodgers to navigate through. With eight teams making the tournament, the one-seed Dodgers made short work of the eighth-seeded Brewers in the first round, played in front of the cardboard cutouts at Dodger Stadium. Then, the Dodgers hit the road and headed to Texas to take on the San Diego Padres in the so-called “bubble” in Arlington. And once again, the Dodgers had little problem with the upstart Padres, sweeping the Friars in three games. That led to perhaps the best series of the 2020 postseason: the epic NLCS against Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves.
After falling behind 3 games to 1, the Dodgers mounted a comeback for the ages, winning three straight, sealing the deal in a Game 7 thriller that was decided late on Cody Bellinger‘s clutch seventh-inning homer off future Dodger Chris Martin (Belli used to do stuff like that, kids). That set up the series against the American League champion Rays, who rode great pitching into the Fall Classic
Game 1: Dodgers Dominate with Power and Pitching (Dodgers 8, Rays 3)
The Dodgers set the tone for the series with a commanding performance in Game 1. Clayton Kershaw, looking to change the narrative around his postseason struggles, delivered a stellar performance. He pitched six innings, allowing just one run and striking out eight batters, showcasing his dominance and experience.
The Dodgers’ offense came alive in the fourth inning off future Dodger Tyler Glasnow. Cody Bellinger hit a two-run home run, giving the Dodgers an early lead. Mookie Betts, who had been a catalyst all season, contributed with a solo homer in the sixth inning and added a crucial two-run single. The Dodgers exploded for four runs in the fifth inning, taking advantage of Glasnow’s struggles. By the end of the game, the Dodgers had established themselves as the team to beat, combining strong pitching with a potent offense.
Game 2: Rays Bounce Back (Rays 6, Dodgers 4)
Game 2 saw the Rays respond with resilience, leveling the series. The Dodgers started Tony Gonsolin, but he struggled to find his rhythm. On the other hand, noted Dodger nemesis Blake Snell was dealing, shutting the Dodgers down in the early going. By the 5th inning, Tampa Bay had a comfortable 5-0 lead. The Rays’ Brandon Lowe hit two home runs, providing the spark Tampa Bay needed. Despite a late rally by the Dodgers, including a solo home run by Chris Taylor, they could not overcome the deficit, losing 6-4. The game highlighted the importance of consistency and the need for the Dodgers to maintain focus throughout the series.
Game 3: Buehler’s Masterclass (Dodgers 6, Rays 2)
Walker Buehler, pitching for the Dodgers, delivered an absolute standout performance with 10 strikeouts and just one run allowed over six innings. Meanwhile, Charlie Morton, the Rays’ starter, struggled after hitting Corey Seager with a pitch, leading to a pivotal Dodgers rally. Justin Turner’s solo homer and subsequent hits from Max Muncy and Turner in the third inning fueled the Dodgers’ offense. The Dodgers capitalized on key moments, scoring five of their six runs with two outs. Their ability to perform in clutch situations, combined with Buehler’s dominance, put them in a strong position for the remainder of the series.
Game 4: A Heartbreaking Finish (Rays 8, Dodgers 7)
Game 4 was one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking games in World Series history. The Dodgers led 7-6 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, thanks to home runs from Justin Turner and Corey Seager and a strong bullpen performance. However, with two outs, a series of defensive misplays and a wild throw allowed the Rays to score two runs on Brett Phillips’ single, resulting in an 8-7 walk-off victory for Tampa Bay. We all remember the image of Kenley Jansen collapsing on the mound as he gave up the knock to Phillips and being unable to back up the play as Randy Arozarena stumbled and bumbled his way to home.
The chaotic finish could have demoralized the Dodgers, but it instead served as a catalyst for their determination. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of moving forward, and the team rallied around the concept of resilience.
Game 5: Kershaw’s Redemption and Defensive Brilliance (Dodgers 4, Rays 2)
In Game 5 of the 2020 World Series, Clayton Kershaw rose to the moment. He delivered a crucial performance, leading the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Rays. Kershaw pitched 5 2/3 effective innings, holding the Rays to two runs and striking out six. His standout moment came when he thwarted Manuel Margot‘s attempt to steal home, preserving a key out.
The Dodgers built their lead early with RBI singles from Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger, and a solo homer by Joc Pederson. Despite a strong offensive showing from the Rays, including an RBI triple from Yandy Díaz and a single from Randy Arozarena, they struggled with runners in scoring position. The Dodgers’ bullpen, including rookie Dustin May, effectively managed late innings to secure the win. With this victory, the Dodgers moved within one game of their first World Series title since 1988.
Game 6: Sealing the Deal (Dodgers 3, Rays 1)
Game 6 was all about seizing the moment. After a shaky start by Tony Gonsolin, the Dodgers’ bullpen stepped up, delivering 7 ⅓ innings of one-run baseball. The turning point came in the sixth inning when Rays manager Kevin Cash made the controversial decision to pull Blake Snell, who had been dominating the Dodgers with a one-hit shutout and nine strikeouts up to that point.
Mookie Betts doubled off reliever Nick Anderson, putting runners in scoring position. A wild pitch allowed Austin Barnes to score, tying the game, and Betts’ aggressive baserunning gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Betts added a solo home run in the eighth inning to extend the lead to 3-1.
Julio Urías closed out the game with a perfect three-inning relief effort, striking out the side in the ninth to clinch the Dodgers’ first World Series title since 1988.
A Victory for the Ages
The 2020 World Series was a testament to the Dodgers’ depth, resilience, and determination. Overcoming the challenges of a shortened season, navigating the highs and lows of a fiercely contested series, and finally breaking a 32-year championship drought, the Dodgers emerged victorious, cementing their legacy as one of baseball’s premier franchises.
For the Dodgers, the 2020 World Series was not just about ending a long wait for a title. It was about redemption, perseverance, and the thrill of victory that brought joy to a fanbase that had been waiting for this moment for decades.
Was it a “Mickey Mouse” championship as some have suggested because the Dodgers didn’t have to negotiate the full 162-game season? We’ll let history judge that. However, one thing is definitely true: while 2020 was great, the Dodgers still long for the moment they can hoist the “piece of metal” in front of 50,000 fans at Chavez Ravine. Until that happens, 2020 will have to do.
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