On Sunday, Oct. 28, the Boston Red Sox secured a World Series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth game of the seven-game series. After winning the first two games of the series, Boston faced a loss in the third game, leaving the Dodgers just one win away from tying the series, however in what would become the final two games of the 2018 World Series, the power of the Red Sox’s batting lineup and bullpen would lead them to their fourth championship since 2004.

In the 118th regular season of the Boston Red Sox, the team claimed a third consecutive American League East Division title with a record of 108-54, which was also the best record in the entirety of Major League Baseball this season. Their opponents entered the postseason with a 92-71 record in the National League West.

In the postseason, the Red Sox went barreling through three of the best teams inMajor League Baseball: the New York Yankees, defending champions Houston Astros and then the L.A. Dodgers, all while keeping their impressive win trend from the regular season as game five of the World Series secured an 11-3 postseason record.

In game one of the World Series, the Red Sox claimed a 8-4 victory over L.A. at Fenway Park (the Red Sox’s home field). In the second game, which was also played in Boston, the Red Sox strengthened their lead to 2-0 with a 4-2 win.

In game three however, Boston was denied a third victory in the 18 inning battle between the two baseball giants. The game was tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 18th inning when Dodgers infielder Max Muncey hit a walk-off homerun to claim their first win of the series. It was the longest game in World Series history in terms of innings and time.

“I was ecstatic,” said Yankees fan and junior Beka Bililign. “Normally I dislike the Dodgers, but I really don’t want the Red Sox to win another title.”

Hopes were high for Dodgers fans and anti-Red Sox baseball fans in game four, but Boston had other ideas. The Dodgers held a 4-3 lead going into the ninth inning, but the Red Sox ended up making four runs in the top of the ninth, and L.A. was unable to top their lead, resulting in a 3-1 series.

In game five as many expected, and to the dismay of Dodgers fans, the Red Sox handily beat the Dodgers 5-1 to secure their ninth World Series title and victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 5-1 victory was cherished by Red Sox players and fans alike as everyone rejoiced as the final pitch thrown by Chris Sale zipped past Dodgers batter Manny Machado.

“It was truly unreal,” said first-year and Red Sox fan Fenway Donegan. “It was amazing to see the team grow throughout the season, and even though we had some rough patches here and there, it all came together when it mattered the most.

Unfortunately, this same sentiment was not held by the Dodgers, who witnessed a second straight World Series loss on their home turf. In 2017, the Houston Astros beat L.A. in game seven of the World Series. The Dodgers have made it to the postseason twelve times since their most recent victory in 1988, six of those times being in the past six years.

This all too familiar outcome has frustrated players and fans, with many people losing hope that the Dodgers will have any chance at claiming the title again next year after coming up short two years in succession.

“Just this one time I wish that we could have been able to come through winners,” said Early College student and Dodgers fan Robert Kobrin. “Although I am very disappointed and a little let down, at least we made the playoffs again. And hopefully we have another chance at the title in 2019.”