While my hometown Astros were unfortunately unable to complete the 3-0 series comeback in game 7, I was still happy to see ex-Astros starter make his way to another World Series appearance in hopes he could earn another legend for himself in the fall classic as a Tampa Bay Ray. On the other side of the League, the Dodgers, who overcame a 3-1 series comeback after being on the brink of elimination, were able to eliminate the Braves in their contention for a World Series appearance. This years’ matchup should be very interesting, and these are my predictions for how things will turn out at the end of October.

Both squads come into this series having one thing in common: elite pitching staffs. Both teams boast the likes of starters such as Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell, Charlie Morton, Walker Buehler, etc., and their bullpens consist of dominant arms that include Nick Anderson, Brusdar Graterol, Diego Castillo, Blake Treinen, Kenley Jansen, etc. While both teams bolster the best pitching in each league, there is a noticeable difference in the offense each team provides, and I’d have to give the advantage to the Dodgers here. The Rays hit for a combined average that barely got over .200 in the ALCS against the Astros, and were lead by performances by the ALCS MVP Randy Arozarena and catcher Mike Zunino. The rest of their team, when it came to offense, was quiet. The Dodgers, however, have had big performances by NLCS MVP Corey Seager, Kike Hernandez, Justin Turner, and clutch homers by Will Smith and Cody Bellinger. On paper, the Dodgers’ offense is much better than the Rays, as they bolster 2 reigning MVP’s in their outfield, and have a stacked infield with several Silver Slugger award winners.

While the Dodgers have a clear offensive advantage, starting pitching is the reason why the Rays have made it this far, and the Dodgers will have to attempt to solve the Labyrinth that is their pitching staff. I think this series will be close, and that there will be several pitching duels that are decided by big home runs or late-inning heroics, but ultimately, I’m choosing the Dodgers in 6 over the Rays. I think the Dodgers’ offense will figure out the Rays’ starters, get to their bullpen, and the Rays’ inconsistent offense won’t be enough to overtake the Dodgers’ pitching. Hopefully, this World Series will be full of surprises and unsung heroics by unlikely heroes, because we could use something like that during these trying times.