Dodgers, Rays Set for World Series

After an exciting few weeks of postseason baseball, the 2020 World Series matchup is now set and it will feature the top seed from the American League against the top seed from the National League.

MATCHUP
The Tampa Bay Rays will face the Los Angeles Dodgers beginning on Tuesday, October 20th. Small market meets big market.

While I can’t say I’ve watched every minute of every game of the 2020 MLB Postseason, I will say that I have watched a lot of baseball over the last few weeks. There’s no doubt about it — both of these teams were the best in their league.

2020 WORLD SERIES
This is only the fourth time in the wild-card era (since 1995), that the teams with the best record in each league will meet in the World Series. Additionally, this is the first time since 1944 that they will meet at a neutral site (Globe Life Field in Texas).

LOS ANGELES DODGERS
For the third time in four seasons, the Dodgers are back in the World Series — the first team to do that since the New York Yankees accomplished the feat in 2000, 2001 and 2003. This year, the Dodgers rallied from being down three games to one to win the seven-game series over the Atlanta Braves. Sunday’s game seven win was epic.

The Dodgers have now won eight-straight West Division titles, but have not won a World Series since 1988. Remember Kirk Gibson?

After making an offseason splash and acquiring Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox, could this finally be the year that manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers win the World Series?

TAMPA BAY RAYS
Watching this Tampa Bay team has been like watching the Durham Bulls over the past few years. From top to bottom, there are a lot of recognizable faces to those of us in Charlotte who have seen the Knights face the Bulls so many times. The team is young, features a solid offensive lineup, plays solid defense and has a strong array of pitchers.

WHO WINS?
With two great teams, we’re sure to see an exciting World Series. In the end, I’m going to give the edge to the Dodgers and say they win in seven games.

2020 World Series schedule

• Game 1: Tue., Oct. 20, 8:09 ET
• Game 2: Wed., Oct. 21, 8:08 ET
• Game 3: Fri., Oct. 23, 8:08 ET
• Game 4: Sat, Oct. 24, 8:08 ET
• Game 5: Sun., Oct. 25, 8:08 ET*
• Game 6: Tue., Oct. 27, 8:08 ET*
• Game 7: Wed., Oct. 28, 8:09 ET*

* if necessary