Freeway (World) Series anyone?
It may not feel like fall in Southern California, but it’s definitely time for October baseball.
For the first time since 2009, both the Dodgers and the Angels are in the postseason. And both clubs are harboring realistic championship aspirations. The Angels, led by all-everything outfielder Mike Trout, finished with the best record of in baseball this year. After a slow start, the Dodgers stormed to the National League West title behind hot bats and the Koufax-evoking work of ace Clayton Kershaw.
The Dodgers last played in a World Series 26 years ago, beating the Oakland A’s to capture their fifth title in L.A. and their sixth overall. The Halos won their one and only championship in 2002. To get back to the Fall Classic, the locals will have to get past a pair of Missouri teams, for starters.
The Angels will take on the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series. The Royals – who hadn’t made the postseason in nearly 30 years – won a thrilling extra-inning game in their Wildcard match-up with the Oakland A’s. Game 1 is tomorrow night at 6 at the Big A in Anaheim.
The Dodgers begin the division round on Friday at Chavez Ravine at the odd time of 3:37 p.m. They’re looking for payback against the St. Louis Cardinals, who knocked them out of the playoffs last year.