2018: Boston Red Sox defeat Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1)
The most recent championship win comes in at #2 for me and we all know why. Nothing will ever top 2004, though the 2018 squad sure as hell tried. This will easily go down as the best Red Sox team in franchise history. Whether it was the pitching, hitting, or defensive play, this team far excelled beyond their predecessors. This was also one of the most likable teams in franchise history, there wasn’t a single ego in the group.
The Red Sox picked up Astros bench coach and former Red Sox world champion Alex Cora to be their new manager. From day one AC came in and he wanted to change the mentality of the team from the previous regime. Cora was a breath of fresh air this season and seemed to bring a level of professionalism and fun to the squad.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
This is the first time I can remember never having a doubt in this team. Were there some slumps? Of course! But never once did I feel this team wasn’t good enough to win the whole damn thing. Setting a franchise record for wins, this team was a juggernaut all season long.
On the flip side of the coin, the Dodgers had a similar type of season. They had their slumps and needed the wildcard playoff to get into the true playoffs, but they still had a 92-71 season. That’s more to the insanity that was the National League playoff picture from this past season.
The powerhouse bats of the Dodgers would run into the fireball pitching of the Red Sox. This series was much closer than the 4-1 tally would show. At any moment the Dodgers could crack the game open with one of their power hitters and change the tides of the series.
The incredible clutch hitting from the Red Sox batters and the legendary pitching performances from Nathan Eovaldi, David Price, and Joe Kelly would deliver title number four. The 2018 championship would also bring the franchise total up to nine total.