In a quest to win their first World Series since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers staved off elimination against the Houston Astros in Game 6. It came on the first time the Dodgers played on Halloween in franchise history.
Now, Dodger Stadium is hosting the first Game 7 in the World Series in its history. It’s the first winner-take-all World Series contest the Dodgers are playing in since 1965, and the sixth such game overall in franchise history.
Just like with any other marquee game the Dodgers played in this season, manager Dave Roberts and his team is not changing their approach.
“For me it’s been pretty much the same thing, just going around the clubhouse, making sure that guys are in the right mind frame,” Roberts explained before Game 7. “Preparing for tonight, understanding who’s available in the bullpen, how we’re going to kind of navigate it.
“So for me it’s been the same. And in the clubhouse it’s been good. Listening to some Bob Marley, guys kind of relaxed, focus, preparing.”
“So I think for me, for our guys, it’s been talked about all year. There’s no need for a message. I think that we understand what’s at stake and what this moment for this city, this fan base, to have Game 7 at home, I just know that our guys are prepared for this moment in every way.”
While the Dodgers needed a win in Game 6 in order to reach Wednesday night, Tommy Lasorda offered a blunt reminder to Roberts that work remains ahead.
“I’ve heard it all year, and I think that it’s great,” Roberts said. “And it’s Tommy’s words of encouragement. And, yeah, I think for us, we want a championship. We want a championship. And we’re not done yet.”
