Red Sox World Series Champions

By LUKE MONNICH ‘20

Since breaking the so-called “Curse of the Bambino” in 2004, the Red Sox have been unstoppable, with four titles in only 15 years. Just a few weeks ago, The Red Sox added to this legacy by winning the 2018 World Series. This victory was not simply a fluke—the Red Sox had one of the best seasons in MLB history.

The Red Sox started their season with a loss against the Tampa Bay Rays. However, in the rest of the season, the Red Sox won 108 games and lost 54 only games. Impressively, the team never lost more than three games in row this year under new manager Alex Cora. Cora was hired shortly after the 2017 World Series and has proved to be a valuable asset to the team. Cora is one of five rookie managers to ever win the World Series, an accomplishment that demonstrates just how valuable Cora is to the Red Sox.

Because the Red Sox won their division, they were awarded with a “bye” for the postseason, meaning they wouldn’t have to play in the first hand. After the New York Yankees won the extra game against the Oakland A’s, the stage was set for this historic rivalry. Because this game was only a division championship, whoever first won three games won the series. However, as daunting as the 100 win Yankees may have seemed, the Red Sox took them down in four games, even scoring 16 runs in Yankee Stadium. Next, the Red Sox faced off against the previous World Series champions: the Houston Astros. The seven game series started off slightly scary for the Red Sox, as the Astros defeated the Sox 7-2 in Boston. However, the Red Sox did not let this loss phase them; they went on to win four straight games, defeating the Astros 4-1.

Finally, it was time for the Red Sox to start the World Series against the National League Champions and 2017 World Series Runner ups: the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers, a 92 win team, had just won a seven game series against the Milwaukee Brewers and were motivated to win it all after losing the previous year’s World Series. The series began with the Red Sox taking a quick two game lead, but the Dodgers won the 18 inning game 3, the longest World Series game ever. In game 5, with the Red Sox leading the series 3-1, the two teams were tied at the top of the ninth inning after a four run Red Sox comeback. After Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers hit the go-ahead run, the Red Sox were put on top, helping them take a 3-1 series lead. Then, in game 5, first baseman Steve Pearce—who would be awarded the 2018 World Series MVP—became one of three players older than 35 to hit multiple home runs in a single World Series game. The Red Sox won the game 5-1 and won the series 4-1 the same night.

As the season wrapped up a few weeks ago, the 2018 Red Sox proved their greatness. The only question now is if the Red Sox will continue their World Series hot streak in the years to come.