The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers will play in the World Series which begins play on Friday.
The Yankees ended their 15-year World Series drought with a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. A go-ahead home run by outfielder Juan Soto in the tenth inning helped propel the Yankees to the fall classic. When the final out was made by relief pitcher Luke Weaver, it ended years of frustration for both the players and the city.
While 15 years does not feel like a long time for most teams, it is an eternity for the Yankees. A franchise with 41 American League pennants and 27 World Series championships is used to being great often. While Yankees teams of previous campaigns were able to reach the American League Championship Series, they were never able to advance further. Their appearance in the World Series can end a string of bitter moments the team has endured over the last decade and a half.
The Dodgers have been due to return to the World Series for quite some time. The addition of two-way star Shohei Ohtani only added to the high expectations the team already had. After multiple National League Divisional Series exits, the Dodgers made it clear that this season was World Series or bust. While the Dodgers have succeeded in reaching the World Series, the expectation is to win it.
Although most of their key players have been recent additions, the Dodgers have reached the World Series recently. Their last appearance was in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign when the team finished with a 43-17 record and defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in six games to win their first World Series since 1988. With a star-studded lineup and a strong bullpen, the Dodgers are hoping to replicate their 2020 success.
This World Series will be fun to watch. Both teams will be entering Friday with hefty expectations placed on their shoulders. The Dodgers will be hoping to live up to the billing of their All-Star lineup while the Yankees will be looking to add one more flag to the history books. Overall, the history and starpower of both franchises will make this World Series one to remember.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41895782/mlb-2024-playoffs-alcs-world-series-new-york-yankees
https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-nlcs-2024