Pictures of fans in the form of cardboard cutouts at sports games in light of COVID restrictions are roaming around the Internet, boosting players’ morale during what feels like a lonely game. With a daily average of 9.7 million nationally televised viewers, the World Series is one of the events with the largest audience impacted by COVID restrictions. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off in six games spanning from October 20th to October 27th in a battle for the title.

Both teams made it to the World Series with Wild Card spots, meaning they qualified for playing in the postseason even though they didn’t win their division. The Rays have less experience in the World Series, having played once before in 2008 – a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. On the other hand, the Dodgers have been to the World Series 21 times, setting the record for most World Series appearances in the National League. The Dodgers won a third of their 21 appearances, which is why it’s no big surprise they came back this year with a winning mentality. Tampa Bay put up a fierce effort against Los Angeles, but the Dodgers ended up on top as predicted by experts, winning four of the six games. 82 percent of MLB experts put the Dodgers above the Rays, but some were convinced the Rays wouldn’t go down without a fight. 

In game 1, Los Angeles started off strong, hitting two home runs and ultimately beating Tampa Bay by 5 runs. The Dodgers quickly gained leverage after this opening game by tying the New York Giants for the most stolen bases in one inning during the World Series at 3. The Rays stole game 2 by a single run, and the back-and-forth wins continued until game 6. The Dodgers ended up winning game 6 by two runs, consequently winning the Series. There were only four errors made during the entire World Series, all coming from the winning Dodgers.

Corey Seager, shortstop for the LA Dodgers, took home the title of the World Series MVP as well as the National League Champion Series MVP. He bat an astounding .400 during the World Series, hitting 2 home runs with 5 RBIs to lead his team to their victory.

For Tampa Bay, Randy Arozarena could be considered a team MVP after hitting three home runs during the World Series – more than any individual player on either team. His batting average was also impressive at .321. Arozarena was dubbed MVP of the American League Champion Series.  

The Dodgers’ win, though expected, was greatly celebrated by the team and Los Angeles baseball fans alike. Their last World Series win was in 1988, making this 2020 win the start of what appears to be a comeback. Baseball culture has been a part of American entertainment for nearly 170 years, so of course the leagues did everything in their power to keep America’s pastime traditional and safe this year.