The Los Angeles Dodgers took advantage of some poor decisions by Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash to defeat the Rays 3-1 in Game 6 and win the World Series 4-2.
The Dodgers were fueled by six relievers combining for a 7⅓ scoreless innings, and the performance of World Series MVP Cory Seager, who was also named the MVP of the National League Championship Series.
“That’s things you think about when you’re a kid,” Seager said of the championship victory, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “You wonder what it’s like, you strive to hear that, and to do it with this team and this group — it couldn’t be any more special.”
The Rays got another stellar performance from ace Blake Snell, who had silenced the Dodgers’ offense into the sixth inning, when Cash inexplicably pulled him from the game, which visibly upset Snell.
Cash’s decision not only cost the Rays the lead and the game, but the World Series as well.
“I’m not exactly sure why,” Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts said of Cash’s decision to pull Snell. “I’m not going to ask any questions. He was pitching a great game.”
Seager batted .400 with two homers, five RBIs and six walks against the Rays, including a sixth-inning grounder in Game 6 that scored the go-ahead run.
“It was absolutely phenomenal. This team was incredible,” Seager said. “We never stopped. We were ready to go as soon as the bell was called. Once it did, we kept rolling. You can’t say enough about what we did this season.”
“I just came to be a part of it. I’m just happy I could contribute,” Betts said.
“I’ve been saying, ‘World Series champs,’ in my head, over and over again, just to see if it will sink in,” Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw said. “I’m just so very thankful to be a part of this group of guys, and so very thankful that we get to be on the team that is bringing back a World Series to the Dodgers fans after 32 years. They’ve waited a long time, and to get to do that … you couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s incredible.”
