The official World Series showdown is here!
This past Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the New York Mets, winning Game 6 of the National League Division Series. As a result, they are set to face the New York Yankees in a highly anticipated match-up — the first for the championship since 1981.
Mark Your Calendars: Game 1 kicks off this Friday at Dodger Stadium.
In Other News: Yankees Adjust Roster, Rule Out Injured Pitcher for World Series
In a thrilling 10-5 finish, the game was closer than the score implies. The Mets struck first with a run in the top of the first inning, but the Dodgers quickly answered back with a two-run double from Tommy Edman off pitcher Sean Manaea. That was the first of several lead changes in this intense six-game series.
Edman powered the Dodgers further ahead with a two-run homer in the third, followed by teammate Will Smith, who also hit a two-run shot, extending the lead to 6-2.
In Other News: Yankees Secure First World Series Appearance Since 2009
The Mets tried to mount a comeback, narrowing the gap to 6-3 and later to 7-4. However, the Dodgers closed out the game with an explosive three-run inning in the eighth.
Blake Treinen, making his comeback after missing most of the previous two seasons with injuries, secured the save by finishing the game strong.
Blake Treinen missed most of 2022 and all of 2023 with injuries. The Dodgers never gave up on him.
He returned in 2024 with a 1.93 ERA in 50 appearances.
He just pitched the final six outs of the NLCS to send LA to the World Series. pic.twitter.com/oBpw3FBiF2
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) October 21, 2024
This marks the Dodgers’ fourth World Series appearance in the last eight seasons, with their last championship win coming in the pandemic-shortened 2020 series. Notably, they celebrated their pennant-clinching victory on home turf for the first time since 1988, a year that also saw them defeat the Mets before clinching the title against the Oakland A’s.
Harry How/Getty Images
Adding to the excitement, the Dodgers’ victory coincided with the 36th anniversary of their championship win over the A’s.
The Dodgers and Yankees have clashed in the World Series 12 times previously. From 1941 to 1981, they faced off 11 times, but the tides of success have diverged since then.
The Dodgers clinch the NL pennant at home for the first time since 1988.
The dream matchup is happening. Dodgers vs. Yankees for the 12th in MLB history and the first time since 1981.
Great day for LA, great day for baseball.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) October 21, 2024
“The Yankees have a really good team with a lot of good players and coaches,” said Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani after the game. “I’m genuinely excited to compete against them.”
In the winning effort, Edman went 2 for 5 with four RBIs. Teoscar Hernandez and Ohtani also contributed with 2 for 4 performances. Freddie Freeman had the day off due to a sprained ankle, but Chris Taylor stepped up, going 2 for 3 in his absence.