The Los Angeles Dodgers battled back from a 3-1 deficit against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series, winning Game 7 to earn a trip to the World Series.
This marks a third time in the last four years the Dodgers have made the Fall Classic, and they will be looking to win it for the first time since 1988 when they take on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Perhaps the biggest difference for the Dodgers this year is they have Mookie Betts on their side, whereas he was in the other dugout in 2018 when L.A. lost to the Boston Red Sox.
“There’s some differences but a lot of similarities,” Betts said of his current Dodgers team and the one he faced while with the Red Sox. “I think that ’18 team grinded through at-bats just like we’re doing.
“They pitched well, just like we’re doing. Can’t really ask for much more than what this team is doing. We apply pressure all nine innings and do everything well. We’re going to be tough to beat, for sure.”
The Red Sox were a juggernaut in 2018, leading the league in regular-season wins and then losing just one game in every postseason series they played. “I remember us just grinding through at-bats the whole series, making it tough, played good defense, pitched the ball well,” Betts recalled.
“Pretty much did everything well. I think the most impressive thing was just grinding through at-bats and not making anything easy. I think this team does that. That should help us win a ring.”
Betts’ championship experience has proved valuable for the Dodgers all postseason, and that should continue in the World Series when they face the Rays, who he is very familiar with from his time in the AL East.
Roberts believes Dodgers would have won 2018 World Series with Betts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was also asked about the 2018 World Series and how heavily the team relied on platoons. His current roster has been more regular throughout the lineup.
“That’s certainly a difference but it goes to the players have earned that,” Roberts said. “When lefties are hitting lefties and righties are hitting righties, they’ve earned that. In ’18, there were a couple guys that didn’t show that.
“I think we would’ve beat the Red Sox if we had Mookie Betts. We got experience and we’re playing good baseball.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
