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| Photo creds to footwear news |
By Joe Smeltzer
For the first time in more than a century, the Boston Red Sox and LA Dodgers (formerly the Brooklyn Robins) will face off in the World Series. It's not always the case that the two World Series opponents are the best teams in their respective leagues, but I think that is true for 2018. Here is a preview of what Joseph Arthur Smeltzer believes will happen in each game. Let's get into it.
Game 1
Chris Sale (9-5, 2.73 ERA) vs. Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73 ERA)
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| Boston has one of baseball's best going for it in Game 1 (Photo creds to Sporting News) |
This is as good a pitching matchup as you'll see in baseball. While both pitchers give their teams the best possible chance to win any night, Sale's experience and dominance at Fenway Park gives Boston the edge in Game 1. Sale is 4-2 with a 2.11 ERA at home, and he'll be backed by the best lineup in baseball. All four of LA's postseason losses have come against left-handers, and that's a trend that will continue tonight. I see the Red Sox getting to Kershaw early and Sale's arm making that lead hold up.
Boston 4, LA 2
Game 2
David Price (16-7 3.58 ERA) vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97 ERA)
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| The Price is right (photo creds to The Salem News). |
For much of his career, David Price has been criticized by many (myself included) for his postseason shortcomings. Price silenced his critics in the ALCS clinching win over Houston, pitching six shutout innings on three-days rest. I think that Price turned a corner at Minute Maid Park, and his form will carry over into the fall classic.
Ryu's numbers speak for themselves, and I expect him to keep the Red Sox at bay. One mistake, however, could decide this game, and either Ryu or somebody in the Dodgers bullpen will be the one to flinch.
Boston 2, LA 1
Game 3
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| Photo creds to The Stranger |
The Dodgers will be refreshed going back home after an off day, and the have the right starting pitcher going for them. Buehler has been good, but not great in the postseason with a 3.86 era in two starts. He's due to pitch a gem, and at home down 0-2 is the perfect platform to do so. If Alex Cora decides to pitch the red-hot Eovaldi, Boston will keep this game close, but assuming he goes with the more experienced Porcello, LA's offense will break out.
Dodgers 5, Red Sox 1
Game 4
TBD vs. TBH (Eovaldi vs. Hill?)
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| The face of a champion (photo creds to ESPN) |
I'd be surprised if anybody other than Rich Hill starts for LA. For Boston, whoever doesn't start game three between Porcello and Eovaldi will likely get the nod for game four. So assuming that Eovaldi vs. Hill is the pitching matchup, I'm giving the edge to the Sox.
Rich Hill is excellent, especially for his age, but at 38, he isn't as durable as he used to be. Hill hasn't pitched beyond the fifth inning in either of his playoff starts, while Eovaldi is 10 years younger and has pitched no fewer than six frames in October, not counting his relief appearance in game five of the ALCS.
Hill will depart after the fifth inning, and then Boston's offense will (finally) break out against the Dodgers bullpen. Eovaldi will give up two runs over seven strong, and Boston will grab a stranglehold of the fall classic.
Red Sox 7, Dodgers 2
Game 5
Kershaw vs. Sale Part II
Clayton Kershaw isn't losing twice in five days. That's just not happening.
Dodgers 3, Red Sox 0
Game 6
Price vs. Ryu Part II
The Dodgers will have momentum heading back to Boston after riding Kershaw's arm in game five, but it won't last. Price will vanquish his playoff failures once and for all with another gem, and Boston's offense will pound Ryu at Fenway. As good as Ryu is, Boston will be pumped up, and the offense will feed of a crowd that knows a world title is imminent.
This is Boston's year. These Red Sox were the best team in the regular season, still had doubters in the American League postseason, and put away two 100-win teams on their way to the fall classic. LA's playoff frustrations will continue, and Alex Cora will cap maybe the greatest season ever for a rookie manager with a World Series win. Boston will party like it's 1916.
Red Sox 9, Dodgers 3
Winners and new World Champions: Boston Red Sox.
| Photo creds to ebay.com |
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