The Los Angeles Dodgers are the 2020 World Series Champions as a controversial exit for Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher turned into a pair of runs for the Dodgers and all they needed to win their first fall classic since 1988 beating the Rays 3-1.Snell was throwing arguably his best game of the season striking out nine Dodgers hitters, but only after 5 1/3 innings of work was pulled in favor for Nick Anderson who gave up an early lead on a home run by Randy Arozarena.
With Tampa Bay up 1-0 on a first inning blast by the Rays rookie sensation Arozarena, Snell was the man of the hour for the Rays. However after giving up a one out single to Dodgers’ catcher Austin Barnes, Rays Manager Kevin Cash pulled Snell after just 73 pitches for Anderson. Three pitches into Anderson’s appearance, Mookie Betts doubled down the third base line and LA was in business with two on and only one out.
A wild pitch tied the game scoring Barnes and Corey Seager scored Betts on a soft infield hit which Betts beat the throw home, and the Dodgers took the lead 2-1.Betts wasn’t done as his closing shot in the bottom of the 8th inning was a solo blast to left center giving the Dodgers a key insurance run and the keys to their first World Series title in 32 years.
Blake Snell has now gone a major league longest 21 straight starts without completing six innings of work, including every start in 2020.
The Tampa Bay Rays finish as the 2020 American League Champions for the second time in franchise history, but have yet to finish the race with a World Series title.
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