The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their seventh World Series championship in franchise history by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6.
The club struggled to get anything going against Blake Snell, who allowed just two hits in 5.1 innings of work before being removed by Rays manager Kevin Cash. L.A. would break through against Tampa Bay’s bullpen, however, scoring two runs in the sixth against Nick Anderson — one of which was charged to Snell.
The two-spot was all the run support the Dodgers bullpen needed. The combination of Dylan Floro, Alex Wood, Pedro Baez, Victor Gonzalez, Brusdar Graterol and Julio Urias combined to blank the Rays over the final 7.1 innings of the game.
The latter was credited with a save and etched himself forever in Dodgers lore by striking out Willy Adames on three pitches to secure the World Series-clinching victory. “It’s the most important out, it’s the most important pitch,” Urias said.
“It’s a beautiful feeling. You know everybody is waiting for that out. I’m thankful to God for the opportunity and thankful for all the blessings.”
Urias, who logged 2.1 innings in Game 6, prioritized getting one batter out at a time. “I just focus on getting the one out, went batter by batter, and when I least expected it I was getting the final out,” he said.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t sure himself how long Urias would pitch. “I didn’t know. I just liked him right there to get out of that spot and I felt as long as he’s throwing the baseball well and feels good, we’re going to keep running him,” Roberts said.
“I really didn’t know what to expect. I was hoping he would come out and throw the baseball the way he did.”
Ending drought was in back of Urias’ mind
Like all of his teammates, Urias was well aware of the Dodgers’ 31-year World Series drought and how important it was to end it. “A lot,” he said. “Obviously the Dodgers are a famous team in Mexico and you’re familiar with the team, what it means to have that blue on.
“I’m just happy for my teammates and happy we were able to achieve it.”
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